EU: China solar tariffs 'justified' panel

The European Commission has announced it is imposing temporary anti-dumping levies on Chinese solar panel imports.

It comes despite opposition from Germany and other European Union members, and amid fears it could spark a trade war.

Announcing the decision, EU Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht said it was an "emergency measure to give life-saving oxygen to a business sector is Europe that is suffering badly".

"Our response is balanced, legal and justified", he added.