Foreign direct investment (FDI) in China grew at its weakest pace in six months in February, but analysts warn that seasonality may explain the swings even as a weakening economy continues to dent investor confidence.

The US yesterday launched a new trade case against Chinese car and car-parts subsidies as President Barack Obama stumped for votes in Ohio, a car-manufacturing state that could be decisive in the November presidential election.

China's Commerce Ministry said it is worried that Europe's debt crisis could spill over into trade friction and hurt the country's exports.