The European Union on Wednesday gave China an end-of-May deadline to resolve textile dispute through informal talks or face possible restrictive measures at the World Trade Organization. The EU head office decided to give its "green light" to continue informal talks with Chinese negotiators until May 31, noting progress in talks Tuesday. The EU claims its textile industry has been seriously hurt by the opening of its market to Chinese exports on Jan. 1, losing production and employment. If no deal is reached before the end of May, the EU will launch official consultations under WTO rules, during which China must restrict its exports to the EU.
