主题：【原创】中国与铜价战争系列之三：拓展海外铜资源 -- 不忘中国

China Aims to Influence Commodities Prices

Clout Used as Leverage in Bid

To Lower Costs of Materials;

Following Japan's Footsteps

By PATRICK BARTA

May 30, 2006; Page A13

A standoff between China and the world's biggest mining companies over the price of iron ore highlights the country's desire to use its clout as a big buyer of raw materials in an effort to hold the line on spiraling costs, a shift that could have implications for the global economy.

China's economy is a driving force behind the recent surge in demand and price for oil, copper and a host of commodities. Beijing is trying to bring that heft to bear to push for lower prices. If successful, that could benefit manufacturers and consumers around the globe that face the highest commodity prices in a generation -- and often blame China for their plight. Still, it is an open question whether China's efforts will amount to much.

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