China filed a complaint to the World Trade Organization on Monday charging the European Union with violating rules governing subsidies to its solar components industry, China 's Ministry of Commerce said.

According to a statement posted on the ministry's Website Monday, the EU's subsidies have affected China 's solar exports and violated China 's rights as a WTO member.

"The development of solar and other sustainable energies helps people the world over deal with energy security issues and the challenges of global warming," Commerce Ministry spokesman Chen Dan said in the statement. "Every nation should take a long term view and strengthen cooperation in the industry, be open to the international trade, and avoid protectionism."

Last week China 's Commerce Ministry launched an investigation into whether European companies are selling polysilicon, used to make solar panels, at unfairly low prices.

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