Chinese Vice Premier Pledges Support for WTO and Free Trade
In a move to strengthen global trade ties, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng announced that China will continue to support the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a stabilizing force in international trade. The announcement came after his meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Sunday.
He Lifeng emphasized the importance of the multilateral trading system, stating, “The WTO is the cornerstone of international trade and plays a vital role in global economic governance.” He urged all nations to resolve disputes through equal-footing dialogues within the WTO framework, uphold multilateralism and free trade, and work together to maintain stable and smooth global industrial and supply chains.
China plans to actively participate in WTO reforms, aiming to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing members. As the lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, He also briefed Okonjo-Iweala on the recent high-level China-U.S. economic and trade meeting held over the weekend in Geneva.
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the severe challenges facing global economic and trade growth. She called on WTO members to collaborate in defending an open and rule-based multilateral trading system. “Strengthening dialogue and cooperation on international trade issues is crucial,” she said, emphasizing the need for the WTO to play a greater role in facilitating trade liberalization, improving trade efficiency, and achieving global sustainable development.
