BEIJING, June 29 -- The Ministry of Commerce on Thursday urged the United Statesto settle bilateral trade disputes through negotiations.

China and the United States' maintaining healthy and stable trade order is not only important for both countries but also the world at large, and the two countries should settle disputes via negotiations, ministry spokesperson Sun Jiwen told a press conference.

Sun said the two countries should address each other's concerns according to international rules and in the spirit of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

He said China was concerned about a decision by the United States to launch an investigation into whether imports of steel and aluminum have compromised U.S. national security.

As "national security" is a broad term and lacks any specific definition, this puts the investigation into question, which may disrupt the flow of international trade, Sun said.

He noted that as the world's economic recovery remains fragile, China hopes all countries can support a free and open international trade system, fight trade protectionism and refrain from taking trade remedy measures.