China on Monday expressed regret over a challenge launched by the European Commission against Beijing's investigation into European Union (EU) dairy products.

The investigation came after the EU placed import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

The probe had been initiated based on Chinese law and at the request of domestic industry, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

"China has a responsibility to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its domestic industries," the ministry added.

This is the first time the EU has launched a challenge at the start of an investigation, rather than wait for it to result in trade measures against the bloc.

"The EU's action was prompted by an emerging pattern of China initiating trade defence measures, based on questionable allegations and insufficient evidence, within a short period of time," the European Commission said.

China initiated its anti-subsidy investigation last month, targeting EU liquid milk, cream with a fat content above 10 percent and various types of cheeses. The European Commission said it was confident that EU dairy subsidy schemes are fully in line with international rules and not causing injury to China's dairy sector. (Reporting by Reuters)