Germany hopeful of solution in China trade dispute

BERLIN (AP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she's hopeful of negotiating a solution to a dispute with China over solar panels, even after the European Union launched an anti-dumping probe.

Rivals accuse China, the world's largest producer of solar panels, of selling products at a loss to put competitors out of business. The EU acted earlier this month following a complaint by a group of 25 producers of solar gear, including companies from Germany, Italy and Spain.

The EU investigation is expected to last 15 months, but if there is strong early evidence of dumping it is possible to impose temporary duties within nine months.

Dr Merkel said on Monday that there's still plenty of time to talk with Beijing. She says: "We want to resolve this dispute politically, through dialogue."