At a recent World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting, China criticized the United States for its “one-sided and misleading” approach to tariffs, urging Washington to adhere to international trade rules and promote fair competition.
During the Council for Trade in Services meeting on Friday at WTO headquarters, China’s delegation highlighted that the U.S. focus on goods trade ignores the substantial U.S. advantages in service trade. They pointed out that the U.S. has maintained significant surpluses in service trade with major partners, totaling around $300 billion in 2024 alone.
“The United States benefits immensely from high-value activities like research, design, and branding,” the delegation stated. “Focusing solely on goods trade paints an incomplete picture and leads to erroneous conclusions.”
China urged the U.S. to avoid double standards regarding WTO rules, emphasizing that the global trade system should benefit all members, especially developing nations. “It’s crucial that the United States doesn’t monopolize the benefits while restricting others,” the delegation added.
Acknowledging recent progress in trade discussions, China noted that while bilateral negotiations can ease tensions, they must align with WTO principles, uphold non-discrimination, and protect the interests of all parties involved.
China’s stance received widespread support from other WTO members. Developed economies like the European Union, Australia, and Canada, along with developing nations such as Brazil and Pakistan, echoed the importance of fair trade practices and the vital role of services in global commerce.
“Services are the future of international trade,” one member representative remarked. “They are essential for economic resilience and supply chain stability.”
China called for accelerated reforms within the WTO to strengthen an open, stable, and predictable multilateral trading system. By addressing trade concerns collaboratively, members can promote healthy and sustainable growth in global trade.
Reference(s):
China criticizes U.S. tariff narrative as 'one-sided, misleading'
cgtn.com
