BEIJING (Reuters) - China launched an anti-subsidy investigation into dairy imports from the European Union a day after the bloc's revised tariff plan for electric vehicles made in the Asian giant.

Wednesday's inquiry targeting cheese, milks and creams meant for human consumption, came after the EU amended proposed punitive duties on Chinese EV imports to 36.3% from an initial 37.6%. Beijing had urged Brussels to abandon the tariffs.

EUROPEAN UNION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN CHINA:

"Regrettably, the use of trade defence instruments by one government is increasingly being responded to seemingly in kind by the recipient government.

"Therefore, in view of the European Commission disclosing the definitive findings of its probe into BEVs from China, China's decision to launch an anti-subsidy probe should not be considered a surprise.

"The Chamber will be monitoring the investigation and hopes it will be conducted fairly and transparently. We expect our affected member companies to co-operate to the fullest with the investigation."