Image Credit: South China Morning Post
On Thursday, China’s Ministry of Commerce released a critical report highlighting concerns about the United States’ actions in the global trading system. The report scrutinises U.S. adherence to World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations and is part of an ongoing series that began in August 2023.
The ministry’s evaluation points to various issues, including the disruption of the multilateral trading system, unilateral trade bullying, and the application of double standards in industrial policies by the United States. According to a ministry official, over a year since the series’ inception, the U.S. has continued to politicise and weaponise economic and trade matters. The report accuses the U.S. of economic coercion and of falsely alleging that China has an overcapacity problem.
The report also criticises the U.S. for its tariff measures and unilateral sanctions, which are said to undermine the multilateral trading system and negatively impact the collective interests of WTO members. The official emphasised that these actions under the guise of de-risking are detrimental to global trade stability.
The Ministry of Commerce expressed hope that the release of this latest report would compel the United States to correct its policies. The ministry urges the U.S. to meet its WTO commitments, adhere to international rules, and fulfil its responsibilities as a significant WTO member. Furthermore, it calls for greater cooperation with other members, including China, to bolster the multilateral trading system’s role in global governance.