The Ministry of Commerce announced late Tuesday that China opposes a dispute settlement consultation request made by the U.S. to the WTO concerning subsidies allegedly provided by China to its domestic auto companies.

A legal affairs official from the ministry said the U.S. announced the filing of the case during presidential election campaign stops in the state of Ohio, implying a political motive.

The official said China received a consultation request from the United States, adding that China will properly address the case according to WTO dispute settlement procedures.