Beijing, China — China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao has strongly criticized the United States over its recent tariff measures, warning that they threaten global trade stability and disrupt the international economic order.
In a video call with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Friday, Wang described the U.S.’ implementation of “reciprocal tariffs” as a classic example of unilateral bullying. He cautioned that these actions could disproportionately harm developing countries, particularly the least developed nations, and potentially lead to a humanitarian crisis.
“The U.S.’ ‘reciprocal tariffs’ not only violate the core principles of the WTO but also undermine the international trade order,” Wang said. “They erode the foundation of the multilateral trade system.”
Wang emphasized that while trade differences among WTO members are inevitable, they should be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect, in accordance with WTO rules. He called on all WTO members to unite against unilateralism, protectionism, and coercive trade practices, advocating for open cooperation and multilateralism.
Reaffirming China’s commitment to upholding WTO rules, Wang stated that the country will actively participate in WTO reforms and safeguard a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory global trading system.
WTO Director-General Okonjo-Iweala expressed concern over the growing trade tensions, noting that they pose significant challenges to global trade and economic growth. She stressed the importance of defending an open, rules-based multilateral trade system and emphasized that disputes should be resolved within the WTO framework through constructive dialogue.
She also underscored that any agreements reached must adhere to the WTO’s Most-Favored-Nation principle, ensuring equal treatment among all trading partners.
