A delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce started two-day talks with the German government about solar panel trade friction on Wednesday. Trade negotiator Chong Quan reaffirmed China's position on the European Union's decision to launch a dumping probe into imports of solar panels from China.

Chong Quan, Trade Negotiator, Ministry of Commerce said, "We still hope that the German government will exert its influence within the Europe Union, and also play a constructive role in making other member countries understand China's stand and support the current stand of Germany, that is, to solve the issue through dialogue."

Last week the EU announced it would launch a 15-month investigation, and might impose provisional anti-dumping duties within nine months. During her August visit to China, German Chancellor Angela Merkel reached a consensus with Premier Wen Jiabao on opposing the protectionist measure. Though an EU member, Germany cannot stop the European Commission from launching the probe.

But the German side said it's still willing to resolve the issue through talks. EU statistics show China exported 21 billion euros of solar panels to the EU in 2011. China has urged the EU to scrap trade protectionist measures. It says they would only hurt the interests of both Chinese and European companies, and undermine the development of the global solar and clean energy sector.