China Defends WTO Rules Amid U.S. Tariff Tensions

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the first trade agreement has been reached and is expected to be approved soon. This development comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions in global trade, particularly due to the U.S. government's imposition of tariffs on various countries. The World Trade Organization (WTO), the sole global international organization aimed at reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers, has faced significant challenges in recent years, largely due to U.S. obstruction of the appointment of members to its appellate body. Despite these hurdles, the WTO has played a crucial role in promoting global trade and lifting millions out of poverty. China, which joined the WTO in 2001, has evolved from a passive acceptor of multilateral rules to an active participant and key contributor to the organization's development.

China's role in the WTO has been pivotal, especially in the face of U.S. unilateralism and bullying tactics. As a major trading nation, China contributes nearly 30% to global economic growth annually and holds a significant position in WTO rule negotiations and institutional building. Since joining the WTO, China has actively participated in and supported the organization's work in areas such as rule negotiations, reform, trade policy reviews, dispute resolution, and technical assistance. China has also fully complied with its obligations under WTO rules, reducing its average tariff rate from 15.3% in 1992 to 9.8% in 2010, and further to 7.3% in recent years. Additionally, China has implemented zero tariffs on all goods from the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations.

To ensure compliance with WTO rules, China has undertaken extensive legal reforms, clearing and amending over 2300 central government regulations and 190,000 local regulations related to trade, investment, and intellectual property protection. The Ministry of Commerce has also issued guidelines to ensure that new policies and measures align with WTO rules. China's proactive engagement and commitment to WTO rules have been widely recognized by other member states, who view China as a responsible and reliable partner in promoting global economic growth and maintaining the multilateral trading system.

In response to the U.S. government's actions that violate WTO rules, China has consistently defended the multilateral trading system. In April, China released two white papers condemning the U.S. for imposing tariffs on its trading partners under various pretexts. China has called on all countries to uphold true multilateralism, reject unilateralism and protectionism, and support the international system centered on the United Nations and the WTO. China has also initiated dispute settlement cases against the U.S. at the WTO, accusing the U.S. of violating WTO rules with its tariff measures.

China's countermeasures against U.S. tariffs are not only a defense of its own interests but also a stand for fairness and justice in the international community. China has urged WTO members to resolve their differences through consultation and cooperation, based on mutual respect and equality. By adhering to the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, China is poised to work with the majority of WTO members to safeguard the multilateral trading system and promote trade development.