China's anti-dumping measures against imported brandies from the European Union are "legitimate trade remedy measures", its commerce ministry said on Wednesday.

The Chinese government on Tuesday announced it will be placing an anti-dumping tax on Brandy produced in the European Union that is imported into China.

European distiller stocks fell sharply after China said it would impose antidumping tariffs on brandy imported from the European Union, deepening tensions between the two trading powers.

Shares in China have slumped as details of economic stimulus plans from officials in Beijing failed to meet investors' expectations, while other markets in Asia are higher.

A highly anticipated press briefing by China's top economic planner fell short of expectations.

China's stock markets roared back from a week-long break to reach their highest levels in more than two years at the open, before paring gains after officials failed to inspire confidence in stimulus plans intended to revive the economy.

A US delegation led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken will raise concerns with Asian leaders over growing South China Sea tensions and the civil war in Myanmar at a regional summit in Laos.

Southeast Asian leaders gathered in the capital of Laos for an annual regional forum that will focus on tackling the prolonged civil war in Myanmar and territorial tensions in the South China Sea

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will represent the United States at the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) summits in Laos this week and expects to discuss human rights in Myanmar, China's "irresponsible" behavior in the South China Sea and Ukraine,