BEIJING, Aug. 8 -- China has expressed concern over South Africa's probe into steel products, according to an official statement on Monday .

The South African government notified the World Trade Organization that it had initiated an investigation over imports of cold rolled steel sheets at the end of last month.

"The move has caused concern over bilateral trade from Chinese government and businesses," China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said in an online statement.

China is closely watching the case as it is the second trade remedy measure for steel products launched by South Africa on behalf of the South African Customs Union in four months. Less than a year ago, South Africa had increased tariffs on steel products, the MOC said.

"China hopes South Africa will conduct a fair and transparent investigation in accordance with WTO rules and protect the defense rights of Chinese enterprises," the MOC said.

It also called for dialogue and cooperation between the steel industry and enterprises of the two sides to seek a proper solution.