China broke trade law on metals, says WTO

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled that China broke international rules by restricting the exports of certain metals.

The case, which dates back to 2009, was brought after China imposed quotas, saying it had to conserve resources of magnesium and other exports.

The US said this left non-Chinese manufacturers with shortages of the necessary metals.

The US was supported in its case by the EU and Mexico.

China strikers win concessions, as ugly protests underline inflation fears

Striking Chinese truck drivers have won concessions in their battle against rising costs that threatened to disrupt Shanghai, the world's biggest port.

The regional Government has intervened to reduce some of the increase in fees that triggered strike action in an attempt to take the heat out of an issue that has demonstrated China may be encountering growing social unrest as it wrestles with an inflationary surge.