A sign of the WTO on its headquarters in Geneva Photo: VCG

China is ready to work with other members of the G20 to actively participate in the reform of the WTO to promote a multilateral trading system and achieve the sustainable development goals, according to a senior Chinese commerce official.

Wang Shouwen, vice minister of commerce and China international trade representative, made the remarks via video link at the G20 Trade, Investment and Industry Ministerial Meeting held in Indonesia from Thursday to Friday, according to a statement published on the Ministry of Commerce's website on Saturday.

As the WTO is facing assaults from rising anti-globalization and protectionist moves from certain countries, notably the US, China has been persistently calling for global cooperation on reforming the WTO to benefit all members, firmly upholding the multilateral trading system, and fostering an open world economy.

Since 2019, under former US president Donald Trump, the US has crippled the WTO's appeal court, the crucial body that settles trade disputes among members. The US has also waged trade and economic wars against other countries out of geopolitical calculations, seriously disrupting the global trade order. 

In stark contrast, adhering to its new development concept, China remains committed to fostering green development partnerships, carrying out international investment cooperation, and boosting the green development of the Belt and Road Initiative, Wang said.

To build a global health community for all, China has cooperated with more than 120 countries and regions on vaccines, Wang said, noting that he hopes that the G20 will strengthen cooperation in promoting the development of global public health.

Amid efforts to push forward industrial digitization and digital industrialization, China is advancing its process of joining the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement and strengthening international cooperation on the digital economy, according to the vice minister.

Wang called on all G20 members to oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and avoid adopting discriminatory policies and measures that could distort global investment, industrial chains and supply chains.

Global Times