China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Tuesday expressed concern over Thailand's investigation into Chinese steel products and urged the country to be cautious and restrained in using trade remedy measures.

"We hope Thailand can work with China to promote dialogue and cooperation in the field to resolve trade friction," an MOC online notice quoted an unnamed official as saying.

The remark came after Thailand began investigating galvanized steel imported from China earlier this month, the latest in a series of anti-dumping probes by the country targeting Chinese steel over the past two years.

"Chinese companies are deeply worried," the official said, stressing that Chinese steel, rather than hurting local industry, has contributed to improvement of Thailand's infrastructure.

China hopes the investigation will be fair and transparent, and Chinese exporters are guaranteed the right to defend themselves, the official added.

As the world's largest steel consumer and producer, China has called for unity in tackling the severe overcapacity in the global steel market, saying protectionism will only compound the problems.