BEIJING (AP) — A Chinese government spokesman says an anti-dumping probe of U.S. sorghum imports is a "normal case of trade remedy" following suggestions it might be retaliation for Washington's investigation of Chinese steel and other goods.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Monday that Beijing wants closer trade and economic cooperation with Washington.

The Ministry of Commerce announced Sunday it was investigating whether U.S. sorghum was being exported to China at improperly low prices. That followed a U.S. decision to raise tariffs on some Chinese-made washing machines and solar power equipment.

Hua said, "I just want to stress that it is merely a normal case of trade remedy investigation."