China has urged World Trade Organization members to strengthen compliance with transparency obligations during a pivotal Trade Policy Review Body meeting this week, emphasizing the critical role of open communication in stabilizing global commerce. The call comes as WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned of unprecedented challenges facing the multilateral trading system in 2025, including escalating tariff disputes and geopolitical friction.
At the December 3 meeting, Chinese representatives highlighted the WTO's latest Trade Monitoring Report showing $2.64 trillion in new import-related measures – quadruple the previous reporting period's figures. 'Transparency isn't optional infrastructure; it's the foundation of trust in global trade,' stated a Chinese delegation spokesperson, noting concerns about delayed notifications from some major economies.
The WTO chief acknowledged the system's resilience, with 72% of global trade still conducted under most-favored-nation terms. However, she announced plans for urgent reassessments of trade measure impacts as regional conflicts and protectionist policies reshape supply chains. European Union delegates joined China in advocating for stronger monitoring mechanisms, while multiple members endorsed real-time reporting protocols for tariff changes.
This year's developments underscore growing tensions between trade liberalization principles and national security-driven policies. As digital trade barriers and climate-related tariffs emerge as new battlegrounds, the WTO's ability to maintain its monitoring relevance faces its most significant test since the organization's establishment.
