China has become a major victim of trade protectionism, Deputy Commerce Minister Yi Xiaozhun said as he called for joint moves against protectionism.

"China is one of the most affected victims of restrictive trade measures," he told the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference on Saturday. "From January to June last year, 40 percent of anti-dumping investigations and 70 percent of countervailing investigations globally are targeting Chinese products."

He said protectionism could be expected to rise during an economic downturn. According to the World Bank, 17 members of the G20 have resorted to protective trade methods since last November.