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China to relinquish WTO privileges in show of support for multilateral trade

Premier Li Qiang says Beijing will not seek developing country benefits in future WTO negotiations, drawing implicit contrast with US

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced concessions on future negotiations under the World Trade Organization framework on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Photo: Xinhua
Ji Siqiin Beijing
China has pledged not to seek special and differential treatment – a provision of the World Trade Organization granting certain privileges to developing countries – in its dealings under the framework of the global trade body, an action that bolsters the country’s case that it is defending the multilateral trade system amid the tariff increases and other protectionist policies imposed by US President Donald Trump.

“China, as a responsible major developing country, will not seek new special and differential treatment in the current and future negotiations of the WTO,” said Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

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Without naming specific countries, Li said on the sidelines of the assembly that the trend of a multipolar world and globalisation was irreversible, and the pursuit of decoupling would only harm the global economy and undermine international order.

“We should work together to uphold the international system with the UN at its core, adhere to multilateralism and free trade, strive to build an open world economy, and achieve more dynamic global development.”

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the Geneva-based organization, described the move as “major news” that was “key to WTO reform” in a social media post thanking China’s leaders.

“This is a culmination of many years of hard work.”

Even as international trade disputes break out at a faster pace – most notably the world-spanning tariff escalations launched by the United States in April – the WTO has been unable to act in its designated role as arbiter of last resort.
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Xi issues rallying call against protectionism in Brics speech

Xi issues rallying call against protectionism in Brics speech

Its seven-member appellate body, empowered to deliver binding judgments after hearing arguments from all parties, has not had a quorum since 2019 due to the US blocking all new appointees. Limited workarounds have been employed to bypass this roadblock, but consensus has yet to be reached among major members to resolve this and other issues permanently.

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