On March 26, the breakout session on WTO reform was held during the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), where participating ministers engaged in dialogue and exchanges on WTO reform. Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao attended and delivered remarks. Ambassador Li Yongjie, Permanent Representative of China to the WTO also attended the event.

Wang Wentao stated that, as President Xi Jinping said, “The rougher the seas, the more we must pull together.” The international economic governance system is facing unprecedented severe tests. All parties should stand on the right side of history, jointly send a firm message in upholding the multilateral trading system, and unequivocally oppose unilateralism and protectionism.

Wang noted that reform is the most important task for the future of the WTO, and the foundational rules of the multilateral trading system, such as the most-favored-nation treatment, should be safeguarded. Development should be placed at the core of reform, which should help developing members seize opportunities in digital transformation, green development, and artificial intelligence. During the reform, the different economic systems and development stages of members must also be respected and issues should not be politicized or used as a tool.

Wang said that China proposes that confrontation should give way to dialogue, rules should be upheld against power politics, and reform should be conducted to lead the future. China has already announced that it will not seek new special and differential treatment in current and future negotiations at the WTO and has submitted a position paper on WTO reform under the current circumstances. China will work with all parties to promote the formulation of a work plan on WTO reform at this MC.

The WTO reform breakout session is a key agenda item of MC14. Ministers conducted intensive group discussions on topics including fundamental issues, decision-making mechanisms, development, and fair competition. (Released on March 27)