GENEVA, Feb 4 (Reuters) - EU anti-dumping duties taken against imports of Chinese footwear are not protectionist and are in line with World Trade Organisation rules, the trade bloc said on Thursday.
"The decision to impose measures was taken on the basis of clear evidence that dumping of Chinese products has taken place and that this is harming the otherwise competitive EU industry," acting trade spokesman John Clancy said in a statement in response to news that China had requested formal consultations over the measures, the first step in a WTO dispute. (Reporting by Jonathan Lynn; Editing by Stephanie Nebehay)