The Chinese government says it will begin an anti-dumping investigation into rapeseed imports from Canada.

The move is seen as a response to Canadian tariffs on imports from China.

Canada is one of the world's major producers of rapeseed, which is used for cooking oil and various other products. Exports to China could be subject to a tariff depending on the outcome of the investigation.

China's Commerce Ministry said on Tuesday that in addition to rapeseed, it will probe imports of some chemical products from Canada.

The Canadian government announced last week a 100 percent tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles, and a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum products from China.

China's Commerce Ministry said in a statement that "China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the discriminatory unilateral restrictive measures taken by Canada." It added it will file a complaint with the World Trade Organization.