WTO says end of China’s special status aids fair trade
GENEVA, Switzerland — The World Trade Organization hailed Wednesday Beijing’s decision to no longer seek new special treatment in future WTO talks, calling it a step towards a more equitable global trading system.
“This is a pivotal moment for the WTO,” organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said in a statement.
“China’s decision reflects a commitment to a more balanced and equitable global trading system.”
Her comment came after Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday announced that his country would not be seeking new special and differential treatment — a privilege granted to developing nations — in future WTO talks.
READ: China not seeking new special, differential treatment in WTO pacts
Li made his announcement at a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, China’s official Xinhua news agency said.
‘Responsible’ major developing country
In making the announcement, Li noted that the world’s second biggest economy was behaving as “a responsible major developing country”, Xinhua reported.
WTO agreements contain provisions allowing developing countries special rights, and for other members to treat them more favorably.
Such treatment includes longer timeframes for implementing commitments and measures to boost trading opportunities for these countries.
But some wealthy nations have in the past said that China should no longer be classified as a developing country, which is something that nations decide for themselves.
Washington has previously argued that China, which has risen to become the world’s largest merchandise trader, should relinquish the treatment given to developing countries.
Li Yihong, the charge d’affaires at China’s permanent mission to the WTO, stressed to reporters Wednesday that Beijing still considered itself a developing country.
Changing landscape
Li said the decision to forego special and differential treatment in future talks was a reaction to “the current challenges to the multilateral trading system.”
READ: China pushes back at US demands to stop buying Russian and Iranian oil
“We see this as a concrete measure taken by China to proactively assume responsibility and demonstrate the commitment of a major developing country,” she said.
“This does not involve any change to China’s status as a developing country,” she stressed.
Okonjo-Iweala said the premier’s declaration marked “a significant step in the ongoing discussions about the role of large, advanced developing economies within the multilateral trading system”.
The Chinese announcement, she said, “sends a strong signal of support for WTO reform and will help foster a more level playing field for all members.”
READ: US, China agree on trade ‘framework’ after high-level talks
“This move will undoubtedly energize discussions and help us work toward a more agile and effective organization for the 21st century.”
