China is pulling out all the stops against rising inflation, and it has defended its controversial talks with the nation's largest consumer companies over stabilizing prices. The government says the discussions are?not a form of intervention.

Since March, the National Development and Reform Commission and other ministries have brought in representatives from companies that produce everyday consumer products to discuss their planned price hikes. It's a move that has spurred criticism of market intervention and disruption.

However, the NDRC says the purpose of the talks are to remind firms to abide by the country's laws and regulations, and prevent collusive price increases and follow-suit practices.