China Pledges Continued Support for WTO Reform, Says Foreign Minister Wang Yi
In a move to strengthen global trade ties, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Wang Yi made these remarks during a meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and economic hub.
Wang Yi emphasized that China firmly upholds the free trade system with the WTO at its core. As a founding member of the United Nations and a steadfast defender of the current international order, China pursues genuine multilateralism, he said.
“Despite the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, the trend of economic globalization is irreversible,” Wang Yi stated. “All parties should work together to promote trade liberalization and facilitation while accelerating global economic recovery.”
He assured that China will continue to support the WTO Director-General in advancing necessary reforms, listening to the voices of countries in the Global South, and keeping pace with the progressive trends of the times.
“China adheres to its position as a developing country but never shirks international responsibilities,” Wang Yi noted. “We will continue to fulfill our obligations and demonstrate our responsibility as a major country.”
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala praised China’s achievements, highlighting that amid global challenges, China has moved in the right direction by achieving the United Nations’ poverty reduction targets ahead of schedule, rapidly advancing industrialization, and making remarkable strides in education.
“China’s success has set a model for other developing countries to follow,” she said. “The WTO highly appreciates China’s commitment to resolving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation within multilateral mechanisms. We hope to continue receiving strong support from China in promoting WTO reform.”
The meeting underscores China’s role in advocating for a fair and efficient global trade system and its commitment to working with international partners to foster economic growth and development, especially in the Global South.
