The United States on Friday formally asked for a consultation process at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over China's industrial subsidies.

The U.S. government has filed a complaint with the WTO, alleging that China is using government support to help its companies compete in world markets, thus creating an unfair playing field, trade sources in Geneva said.

By filing the complaint, the United States asked for a consultation process with China in Geneva, which is the first stage of the dispute settlement procedure of the world trade body.

The consultation will usually last two months once it is started. If it fails, a WTO panel of experts will be formed to handle the dispute.

"We are seeking to level the playing field to allow U.S. manufacturers to compete fairly with Chinese firms," U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab said in Washington.

The Chinese mission to the WTO in Geneva confirmed the case on Friday, but declined to give any comments.

Source: Xinhua