China has raised alarms over U.S. trade policies at the World Trade Organization (WTO), calling for global cooperation to safeguard the multilateral trading system. During the WTO's second General Council meeting of 2025 in Geneva, the Chinese delegation submitted a proposal warning that unilateral tariffs threaten global trade stability and undermine decades of progress.
A Call for Collective Action
In its written statement, China emphasized the need for WTO members to unite against protectionist measures, stressing that a rules-based system benefits all nations. The proposal highlighted three pillars for reform: stabilizing trade relations, expanding support for developing economies, and modernizing the WTO framework to address emerging challenges like climate change and supply chain resilience.
Global Support for Multilateralism
China's stance garnered backing from Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, and Antigua and Barbuda, among others. These members echoed concerns over unilateral actions violating the WTO's most-favored-nation principle. The proposal also urged integrating new agreements, such as the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, into the WTO's mandate to ensure relevance in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Balancing Growth and Equity
Key priorities include increasing market access for least-developed countries and enhancing trade-related technical assistance. Analysts suggest the proposal reflects growing consensus that WTO reforms must balance economic growth with equitable development, particularly as geopolitical tensions reshape trade dynamics.
