Chinese officials said its temporary anti-dumping measures against certain imports of brandy from the European Union follow the rules of the World Trade Organization, Xinhua News Agency reported Monday.

China's temporary tariffs are meant to protect domestic industries and follow "fair, impartial investigations," the report said.

The EU filed a complaint with the WTO to challenge the tariffs while French President Emmanuel Macron had called the Chinese probe "pure retaliation," Reuters reported the same day.

Brandy imports from France reached $1.7 billion in 2023, making up 99% of Chinese imports of the alcoholic drink, Reuters said.