China has raised serious concerns over the United States’ “reciprocal tariffs,” calling on World Trade Organization (WTO) members to stand together in response. The appeal was made during the WTO’s second General Council meeting of 2025 in Geneva.
In a written proposal, the Chinese delegation emphasized that a stable, open, and rules-based trade order benefits all nations, especially in today’s interconnected world. They warned that the multilateral trading system faces significant challenges, particularly from unilateral tariffs imposed by the U.S., which they believe threaten the very foundation of global trade rules.
“Collective action is essential to protect and strengthen our global trading system,” China’s proposal stated. The document outlined a comprehensive strategy focusing on three key aspects: stability, development, and reform.
Firstly, China urged WTO members to unite and stabilize trade relations by increasing transparency and strengthening monitoring mechanisms. This, they argue, will ensure trade stability and fairness for all countries, particularly those in the developing world.
Secondly, the proposal highlighted the need to expand market access for least developed countries. By providing more effective trade-related assistance, China believes developing nations can be better integrated into the global economy, promoting shared growth and prosperity.
Lastly, China called for urgent WTO reforms to address emerging global issues like climate change and supply chain resilience. They advocated for incorporating new agreements, such as the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the Electronic Commerce Agreement, into the WTO framework to modernize and strengthen the organization.
China’s initiative received widespread support from several WTO members, including Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, and Antigua and Barbuda. These nations echoed concerns over unilateral trade actions and emphasized the need to uphold the WTO’s most-favored-nation principle.
“As global trade becomes increasingly volatile, it’s crucial that we pursue meaningful reforms to ensure the WTO remains effective,” said a representative from Brazil. The collective sentiment among these countries underscores a growing desire for multilateral cooperation in the face of rising protectionism.
The U.S. has yet to respond to China’s proposal. However, the ongoing tensions highlight the challenges facing the international trading system and the importance of dialogue among nations to resolve disputes.
With global trade at a crossroads, the call for unity and reform at the WTO signifies a pivotal moment. For young people in the Global South, the outcomes of these discussions could shape the economic landscape they inherit.
