BEIJING - China will "properly handle" a consultation request from Japan over duties levied on its steel tube imports, the Ministry of Commerce said Friday.

"China has received the consultation request filed by Japan, and will properly handle it according to dispute settlement procedures under the World Trade Organization (WTO)," the ministry said in a statement on its website.

Japan on Thursday requested consultations with China at the WTO concerning China's decision to levy anti-dumping duties on Japanese exports of high-performance stainless steel tubes, which are usually used in coal-fired power plants.

China announced in early November the duties, ranging from 9.2 percent to 14.4 percent, on imports from the European Union and Japan. The duties are intended to remain in place for five years.