The European Commission has notified Chinese authorities of its planned probe into Chinese telco gear makers. Huawei and ZTE Corp, the world's second and fifth largest mobile equipment makers, are expected to be targeted by the probe on anti-competitive practices. Both companies have rejected the accusations.

Huawei says it is disappointed by the Commission's threat to launch a case based on wrong information. ZTE says it is committed to transparent operations and fully conforms with both world, and local market trade regulations.

European Commission officials, however, said they've had negotiations with the Chinese companies for a year and now they hope to engage Chinese authorities for a solution.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said trade protectionism hurts both China and Europe on May 15. This probe follows the European Union's proposed tariffs on Chinese solar panel imports.

(CNTV.cn May 16, 2013)