The World Trade Organization (WTO) has welcomed China's decision to forgo new special and differential treatment (SDT) in current and future negotiations, a move hailed as a significant step toward strengthening multilateral trade frameworks. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised the announcement, calling it a "pivotal moment" that underscores China's commitment to a "balanced and equitable global trading system."
Chinese Premier Li Qiang revealed the policy shift during a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative at the 80th UN General Assembly. The decision aligns with China's positioning as the world's largest developing country while acknowledging its evolving role in global economic governance.
"This sends a strong signal of support for WTO reform," Okonjo-Iweala stated, emphasizing that the move could revitalize discussions on creating a "more agile and effective organization" suited to 21st-century challenges. Analysts suggest the decision may ease long-standing debates about China's classification within trade frameworks.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reinforced Beijing's stance, stating China will continue to "defend the legitimate rights of developing members" while working toward a "more just global governance system." The announcement comes amid ongoing WTO reform discussions, with members seeking to modernize dispute resolution mechanisms and address digital trade challenges.
