China will not seek new WTO special and differential treatment

China will not seek new special and differential treatments in the World Trade Organisation’s ongoing and future talks, Premier Li Qiang said, after the country enjoyed privileges granted to developing countries for years.

Li delivered the speech at a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative, hosted by China during the UN General Assembly in New York, according to state media Xinhua.‘

There are about 150 special and differential treatment provisions in WTO agreements, giving developing nations special rights and assistance such as longer transition periods, greater trade opportunities, and technical support.

A well-known example is the Generalized System of Preferences, which grants developing countries lower tariffs on certain exports.

The US opposed countries choosing SDT benefits and has urged China to fully give up them.

At the WTO, countries can identify themselves as developing members, a status that has also been claimed by some major economies, including China and Saudi Arabia.

Senior Chinese trade negotiator Li Chenggang said at a press briefing yesterday that China remains the world’s largest developing country and continues to stand with other developing nations.

Han Yong, director general of the Department of WTO Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce, affirmed three unwavering principles for the nation in current and future WTO negotiations: its developing member status, its resolve to defend developing members’ rights, and its commitment to promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.

He added that China would continue to firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, strengthen communication and cooperation with other countries, and oppose unilateralism and protectionism.

Li Qiang also highlighted China’s long-standing contributions to global development and said the country would continue to act as a supporter and promoter of shared growth.

He added that China plans to strengthen technological cooperation to empower global development, help countries in the Global South improve digital and smart capabilities, and actively promote a green transition worldwide.

STAFF REPORTER