China runs a deficit with most of its trading partners, which supply oil, other raw materials and industrial components, and makes up for it by running large surpluses with its U.S. and European export markets.

NPR: China Reports Stronger April Trade Growth

The contention is that China's export restrictions on raw materials, which discourage the sale abroad of coke, zinc and other industrial commodities, are conferring "unfair preferences" in favor of its own manufacturers.

FORBES: New Asia