BEIJING — September 24, 2025
China has declared it will no longer seek new special and differential treatment in current or future World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations, signaling a bold commitment to uphold and reform the multilateral trading system. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative in New York.

Li Chenggang, China’s international trade representative and Vice Minister of Commerce, emphasized that this move reflects China’s evolving global role and its dedication to fair, rules-based trade. He stated that the decision will inject momentum into global economic governance and support liberalization and investment facilitation.

Li criticized rising unilateralism and protectionism, warning that repeated trade wars have destabilized global growth and undermined WTO members’ rights. He reaffirmed China’s position as the world’s largest developing country and a steadfast member of the Global South.

Looking ahead, China pledged to deepen reforms, expand high-standard opening-up, and promote high-quality development. The country will actively engage in WTO reform and advocate for development-centered outcomes that benefit all member states.