BEIJING - A recent US decision to impose new import duties on solar panels made in China will hurt the interests of both sides, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Wednesday.

"The US government should consider the long-term picture and prudently handle trade frictions," said an MOC official who refused to be named.

The remark came after the US Department of Commerce on Tuesday announced the results of a preliminary investigation into Chinese solar panel markers, finding that the companies have received government subsidies of 2.9 to 4.73 percent. The department subsequently decided to levy tariffs of equal size on imports of Chinese solar panels.

The move will affect the development of the US clean energy sector and hinder cooperation between both countries, the official said.