China "hopes that the increase in its textile exports takes place in a moderate way," he said, as fears mounted in the European Union that the EU textile industry is being harmed by a surge in Chinese products that followed an end to global import quotas January 1.

"We want to soften the shock wave that could provoke massive exports of Chinese apparel," Bo said.

"We are doing what we can to prevent a sharp spike" in exports "in order to achieve balanced trade."

He said that after pronounced increases in textile exports in January and February, the pace had "considerably diminished" in March and April and predicted that May, June and July would see a "more measured" increase.

Loos said he agreed that "China could undertake important steps in order not to disrupt the market."