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US-China relations
China

China lashes out at US ‘double standards’ at the WTO

  • Beijing accuses Washington of bullying and trying to destroy the multilateral trading system
  • Report might reflect Chinese government fears about international trade, analyst says

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China has published its first assessment of US compliance at the WTO. Photo: Reuters
Vanessa Caiin Shanghai
China has taken aim at US compliance with the World Trade Organization, accusing Washington of disrupting supply chains in a move that analysts say could reflect grave concerns in Beijing about trade prospects.

Releasing the report on Friday, China’s Ministry of Commerce described the United States as a “destroyer of the multilateral trading system”, “bullying hegemonist”, “double-standard manipulator” and “disturber of global industrial and supply chains”.

The ministry said the US’ activities had resulted in “severe shocks to the multilateral trading system”, and the United States should “abide by the rules, honour its commitments and lead by example as a major WTO member”.

“Regrettably, the US, as the world’s largest economy and the main founder and important beneficiary of the multilateral trading system, has in recent years disregarded multilateral rules and the expectations of its members,” the ministry said.

“The multilateral trading system is facing enormous challenges,” it said, adding that key members of the WTO should promote cooperation to “jointly safeguard its authority and effectiveness”.

“China would like to take this opportunity to call on the US to rectify its wrongdoings in a timely manner, effectively comply with WTO rules and its own commitments, and actively safeguard the authority, integrity and effectiveness of the multilateral trading system,” the ministry said.

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