TIANJIN: China has been badly affected by rising trade protectionism since the outbreak of the global financial crisis, a Ministry of Commerce official said over the weekend.

Some countries and regions increased exports after efforts to stimulate domestic consumption failed, and even depreciated currency and raised subsidies to improve the competitiveness of exports, said ministry spokesman Yao Jian.

"Such moves have led to rising protectionism," he told a forum on international trade development in Tianjin on Saturday.