BEIJING, Feb. 16-- China´s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) voiced concern Monday about trade protectionism, amid fears that such action would aggravate the economic downturn.

MOC spokesman Yao Jian told a press conference China was "deeply concerned" over protectionism in some countries, which he didn´t identify. "China is against any form of protectionism, and we propose cooperation and negotiation to solve all international trade issues," Yao said.

The United States Congress last week approved a 787-billion-U.S.-dollar stimulus plan that contains "Buy American" provisions, which limit the purchase of foreign iron, steel and manufactured goods for stimulus-funded infrastructure projects.

Yao also said China would give its full support to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to restrain the spread of trade protectionism.

"The WTO´s plan on tracking member countries´ stimulus packages and the fulfillment of the measures is a good mechanism to restrain trade protectionism. It may urge member countries to commit to their free trading strategy," he said.