China has submitted its first comprehensive policy document on World Trade Organization (WTO) reform, the Ministry of Commerce announced. The document clearly outlines China’s stance on WTO reform under current global trade circumstances, addressing emerging challenges, promoting development opportunities, and reinforcing its commitment to international trade rules.
Additionally, an official from the ministry said this is China’s first formal policy submission since the WTO launched its necessary reform process in June 2022. The document systematically presents China’s position on reform, emphasizing multilateralism, development, and future-oriented trade strategies.
Therefore, China has led calls for WTO reform in the past, releasing a position paper in 2018 and submitting a proposal in 2019. Facing challenges in the multilateral trading system and evolving global trade needs, China prepared the new position paper after considering both its concerns and those of other WTO members.
Moreover, the document highlights China’s strong support for open and inclusive economic globalization, encouraging international collaboration, fair trade practices, and innovation. It emphasizes the importance of upholding the multilateral trading system and advancing WTO reform under today’s complex global trade circumstances.
China’s policy paper calls for development to be central to the WTO reform agenda. It encourages helping developing members seize opportunities in the digital economy, green transition, and artificial intelligence sectors.
Looking forward, the paper urges discussions on government measures that may distort trade. It calls for respect for members’ differing economic systems and stages of development. The document also stresses reaching consensus on fair competition to create international trade rules that better support industrial development.
China’s submission marks a significant step in shaping WTO reform, reflecting its active role in global trade governance, strengthening international cooperation, promoting sustainable growth, and commitment to a balanced, development-focused multilateral trading system.
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