BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) Saturday criticized a U.S. government report on steel and aluminum product imports, saying the findings were "groundless" and do not tally with the facts.

The U.S. Department of Commerce Friday recommended President Donald Trump restrict imports of steel and aluminum products by imposing steep tariffs, citing national security concerns.

In a response to the report, Wang Hejun, head of the MOC's trade remedy and investigation bureau, urged the United States to exercise restraint in using trade protection tools, and observe multilateral rules to make positive contributions to global economic and trade order.

"If the United States' final decision affects China's interests, we will take necessary measures to defend our rights," Wang said.