16-18 December 2025

Item 2: MC14 Possible Deliverables

Thank you, Chair.

I would like to welcome new colleagues to Geneva and am looking forward to working together constructively.

For agenda Item 2, China would like to thank the GC Chair, TNC Chair and chairs of the relevant bodies, the WTO Reform and E-commerce Work Programme facilitators for their intensive work. We support the proposed work in the run-up to MC14, including the preparation of a zero draft of outcome document and a potential WTO reform document, including dispute settlement. China will actively engage in this process with a view to laying solid foundation for successful MC14.

For MC14 deliverables, much has been said at the TNC on 12 December and we kindly request the Secretariat to include China's TNC intervention in the minutes of the GC. Let me just highlight three areas.

First, MC14 needs sending a clear political message that reaffirms the commitment to the rules-based multilateral trading system and fundamental principles of the Organization. For instance, whether members want an adapted rules-based multilateral trading system, or a system without certainty and based on power.

Second MC14 needs a ministerial guidance on WTO reform. A lot of work remains to be done between January and March to discuss the reform work plan, and China hopes that sufficient time could be provided to members to review and comment on the draft work plan to ensure there is no last-minute surprise. Progressive reform is more advisable. Post MC14 work plan should prioritize issues with broad support in a balanced way. One thing is certain, it is constructive ideas, rather than repeating positions and debating over labels or concepts, that are conducive to real reform.

Last but not least, if not adopted tomorrow, MC14 must deliver the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) into the Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement. Investment is the engine of growth and catalyst for trade integration. The IFDA is intended to improve the business environment for investment. It is a useful tool for development, especially for developing members and LDCs. In addition, incorporation will serve as a test to the rule-making function of the WTO, and therefore carries systemic importance. Concerted efforts are needed to make it happen.

I'll stop here. Thank you,

Item 8.  For Consideration under the Mandate in paragraph 4 of WT/MIN(24)/34; WT/L/1189: WTO Smooth Transition Support Measures in Favour of Countries Graduated from the LDC Category Pursuant to paragraph 3 of WT/MIN(24)/34; WT/L/1189 – Communication from Djibouti on behalf of the LDC Group– Request from the Gambia on behalf of the LDC Group

Thank you, Chair.

China believes that graduation from the LDC category is an achievement and special attention should be given to ensure a smooth transition. In particular, against the backdrop of global trade turbulence, graduating and graduated LDCs are encountering even greater difficulties.

China supports to continue the dialogues and the consultations among relevant members to find solutions, so that the needs of graduating LDCs could be met.

Thank you.

Item 9.  General Council Decision on Enhancing the Precise, Effective and Operational Implementation of Special and Differential Treatment Provisions of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) – Communication from the G-90 – Request from South Africa on behalf of the G-90

Thank you, Chair.

China would like to join other members to thank G90 for this submission. We believe that enhancing regulatory cooperation, increasing transparency and improving technical assistance and capacity building are crucial for reducing unnecessary trade barriers and improving global trade and business environment. This has also been clearly reflected in the relevant MC13 Ministerial Declaration.

Therefore, China supports the direction proposed by G90 in WT/GC/W//974, and agrees that General Council instruct the SPS and TBT Committees to conduct in-depth discussions on the precise, effective and operational implementation of S&DT under the SPS and TBT Agreements. China will continue to be constructively engaged in the follow-up discussions and consultations.

Thank you.

Item 10. Incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement – Draft Decision

Thank you, Chair.

Since 2024, the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement has been presented to the General Council for nine times. China remains fully committed to pursuing the incorporation of IFDA at MC14 and firmly believes that this groundbreaking agreement is too vital to set aside.

The IFDA stands as one of the most promising deliverables for MC14. Once implemented, it will support developing members in attracting investment, boosting productivity, deepening trade integration and advancing sustainable development. Its benefits align closely with the spirit and objectives of the Marrakesh Agreement, and charting an important path for how WTO rules can evolve to better support developing members in achieving their development goals. It imposes no obligation on non-participants, and will extend its benefit for all WTO members.

As the coordinator introduced, IFDA participants listen carefully to members yet to join the consensus, and have engaged constructively and openly with those members, both in capitals and in Geneva. Concerns were well heard, and we believe the responses from IFDA participants have also been well received, and we look forward to support from all members.

At a time when global foreign direct investment has faced a prolonged decline and the WTO needs tangible outcomes to demonstrate its ability to deliver, action is more urgent than ever. China strongly supports submitting the IFDA to ministers for a political decision, and looks forward to its successful incorporation at MC14.

Thank you.

Item 11. Incorporation of the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement–Draft Decision

Thank you, Chair.

China welcomes Philippines to join this important initiative. China firmly supports the incorporation of E-Commerce Agreement into the WTO framework.

China believes the Agreement can be a booster to advance global digital trade and bridge the digital divide. China calls on members to support the incorporation of this Agreement.

Thank you.      

Item 12. The Development Assistance Aspects of Cotton–Periodic Report by the Director-General

Thank you, Chair.

I thank DG for the report. As a reliable South-South cooperation partner, China has consistently been reinforcing its support to the African continent, including in the cotton assistance, under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), as well as through the efforts of supporting C4+ on the WTO platform via China Programme.

China welcomes the report and is ready to work with others to enhance the capacity of C4+ in cotton area. In this context, we agree with the conclusion of the report, that cotton development assistance, through collective efforts, could be part of MC14 outcomes.

Thank you.

Item 14.  African Group Submission on Agriculture for MC14 – Communication from Mozambique on behalf of the African Group

Thank you, Chair.

China appreciates African Group’s submission, where development is the core. China shares with African Group that agriculture remains central to the development priorities, food security needs, rural livelihoods and structural transformation of developing members. China has been calling for delivering concrete, focused, pragmatic, and development-oriented outcomes in agriculture at MC14, and will continue that effort. African Group’s submission may form a basis for our future work.

Thank you.

Item 15.  Dialogue on Sustainable Agriculture in the Multilateral Trading System – Request by Brazil

Thank you, Chair.

China would like to join others to thank Brazil for placing this item on the agenda, and for the continuous efforts in championing this important topic of sustainable agriculture in the multilateral trading system, and WTO certainly has his role to play.

China noticed that a number of events were held to accommodate the dialogue. China also organized a seminar on “promoting sustainable development in agriculture and trade” in November, sharing China's experience and practices, particularly on the role of application of digital technology as well as international cooperation in sustainable agriculture development. Considerable number of members are interested in furthering dialogue on this topic. In this context, we're expecting more fact-based, science-based and experience-informed exchanges and dialogues, and we'll continue to contribute our efforts to this endeavour.

Thank you.

Item 16. Rethinking the Rules-Based Multilateral Trading System – Request from Brazil

Thank you, Chair.

China appreciates Brazil's efforts to put forward this item, so Members could have a chance to reflect on the present and the future of the multilateral trading system. We are willing to engage with all Members in discussions on fundamental issues facing this system, to make this system effective and relevant in global trade governance.

I will elaborate on China's reflections under the agenda item 17.

Thank you.

Item 17. Heightened Trade Turbulence and Responses from the WTO – Request from China

Opening Statement:

Thank you, Chair.

China would like to thank those members who have intervened on China’s item under the previous item, item 16.

This year, the multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core, is experiencing the most severe disruptions in 80 years. According to the latest WTO Trade Monitoring Report released this month, imports worldwide affected by new tariffs and other such import measures expanded more than fourfold over the previous twelve-month period, to about 11% of world imports. Of this amount, USD 2,350 billion representing 9.9% of world imports can be linked to a series of bilateral and global trade measures, principally tariff increases. And the WTO forecast goods trade in 2026 will grow by only 0.5%. Sharp increases in unilateral tariff actions and bleak outlook for global trade underscore the volatility in the global trading system and the blow to global growth trajectories.

At the same time, the multilateral trading system has shown considerable resilience. Most WTO members continue to trade by WTO rules with each other, providing the much-needed stability and predictability in the context of trade relations. The G20 leaders underscored the need to keep an open trading environment, resist fragmentation, respect the rules, and build a just and equitable international trading order. In other words, the law of the jungle must be resisted.

Against this backdrop, MCl4 serves as a crucial juncture to send a political message, on safeguarding the basic value and principle of the rules-based multilateral trading system and on enabling necessary reforms to make it more resilient and relevant. In this regard, the report circulated by the reform facilitator at the General Council meeting yesterday marks a step toward a more substantive phase of the reform process.

Chair,

For the WTO to respond to the current trade turbulence, China has proposed a three-pronged approach, namely stability as an anchor, development as a priority and reform as a pathway. China has also taken concrete actions on its own, to put these ideas into practice, including issuing the new position paper on our positions regarding S&DTs in current and future WTO negotiations, rolling out policy initiatives to grant zero tariff treatment to LDCs and African countries, as well as actively participating in the discussion on issues of the time, such as trade and Al, trade and environment, with a view to connecting the WTO to the next wave of growth opportunities of digital trade and green trade.

China is convinced, that despite the current unprecedented trade turbulence, the WTO can endure and thrive, with renewed political commitment to its basic principles at MCl4 and concrete steps taken by members along the dimensions of stability, development and reform. We encourage all members to actively contribute to this collective response in the run-up to MC14, including engaging constructively in the GC chair and reform facilitator-led consultation process, so as to safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system.

Thank you.

Concluding Remarks:

Thank you, Chair.

China thanks all speakers for their comments and contribution to the discussion under this item, in particular their expression of support for the multilateral trading system. We also thank United States for its submission on reform. At least it clarifies US’s views on the multilateral trading system and enables members to better understand the US’s position.

China stands ready to work with others to safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system and achieve development-oriented and tangible results at MC14.

Thank you.

Item 19. Concerns on Incorporating the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) into Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement – Request from India

Thank you, Chair.

China would like to echo previous speakers.

At present, IFD carries the expectations of the broad membership, in particular the developing members, as well as the international community, and is advancing towards MC14 with a real prospect of delivering outcome.

The IFD participants are fully aware of the concerns of certain members, and have diligently responded to them, including through GC interventions, GC Chair-led consultations, written communications, dedicated discussion sessions, and capital to capital engagement.

All of the concerns in this communication by India have been duly responded to in the past. What is lacking is a real and constructive dialogue based upon these exchanges. Instead of circling back to entrenched positions, we hope to engage on the basis of responses that have been provided, with a view to solving the problem, and rather than to engage in an endless debate, just for debate sake.

IFDA is supported by more than 90 developing members and LDCs, and constitutes an important component of the WTO’s development agenda. China hopes that India, as an important member of the Global South, will respond positively to the development aspirations of the developing members with a constructive and problem-solving approach, so that MC14 could deliver tangible benefits to the Global South.

Thank you.

Item 21. Fundamentals for WTO Reform – Communication on behalf of the ACP Group

Thank you, Chair.

China thanks Barbados for its remarks on behalf of the ACP Group and welcomes this contribution to the WTO reform discussion.

China supports the key principles outlined by the ACP Group. We share the view that at a time of rising uncertainty and unilateral measures, it is more important than ever to uphold and strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. China also agrees with the ACP Group that WTO reform must improve how the system delivers for all members, especially those that are most vulnerable, and make sure all members can rely on predictable and stable rules.

China stands ready to work closely with ACP Group and all members in the reform process.

Thank you.

Item 22. Member Conversations on Current Economic Issues – Request from Canada and Costa Rica

Thank you, Chair.

Industrial policy is an important yet sensitive topic for WTO members, and this Member-driven dialogue has been useful in deepening our understanding of this topic.

As one of the co-hosts of this dialogue, China has participated throughout the process and circulated a written communication ahead of the stocktaking session, outlining our suggestions for the way forward. We are convinced that the process should continue in an informal setting, and the discussions should also continue to be led by external experts including business representatives rather than government officials. In the meantime, we see its effectiveness could be enhanced through a structured and focused approach. We also hope to see broader and more active engagement from the wider Membership.

China stands ready to continue constructive engagement with all Members.

Lastly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank South Africa for announcing its new position on the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement yesterday.

Thank you.

Item 23. LDC Priorities – Communication from the Gambia on behalf of the LDC Group

Thank you, Chair.

We would like to thank the Gambia for delivering the remarks on behalf of the LDC Group. Past Ministerial Declarations have consistently highlighted the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by LDC Members. Members had also reaffirmed the commitment to support LDCs in integrating into the multilateral trading system and the global economy in a beneficial and meaningful manner. Such support and commitments are even more valuable and essential in the current circumstances.

China therefore calls on all Members, in preparing for the outcomes of MC14, to give full consideration to the priorities of the LDC Group, and GC to instruct the relevant WTO bodies to actively advance work in this regard.

Thank you.

Item 24. Agriculture & Food Security Draft Declaration – Communication from the Gambia on behalf of the LDC Group

Thank you, Chair.

China appreciates and supports LDC submission and shares the concern of LDCs that supply chain disruptions, climate change, geopolitical tensions, and volatile commodity prices post severe challenges to food security, particularly in LDCs and NFIDCs. And China is also of the view that the recommendations of the report of work programme pursuant to paragraph 8 of the MC12 food security declaration could be made best use of, including in drafting MC14 agricultural deliverables.

China is looking forward to continuing to work along with the LDC Group in this important area.

Thank you.

Item 30. Briefing on the Latest Developments in the Accession of Ethiopia–Request from the United Kingdom

Item 31. Briefing on the Latest Developments in the Accession of Uzbekistan–Request from the Republic of Korea

Thank you, Chair.

China highly appreciates the efforts made by Ethiopia and Uzbekistan and the two chairs to accelerate their respective WTO accession. We are pleased to learn the progress made in the bilateral market access negotiations as well as in the Working Parties.

China is looking forward to their early accessions and would like to call all members to take active steps and engage proactively.

Thank you.

Item 34. Review of the Exemption provided under paragraph 3 of the GATT 1994

Thank you, Chair.

I am not surprised that the US attempted to justify its exemption by blaming on China, because it is easier to find an external “scapegoat”, avoid difficult domestic reforms and divert attention from its own problem.

However, blaming on China will not help the US revitalize its shipping industry, as it neither reflects the fact nor addresses the root cause of the decline of the US shipping industry.

The facts speak for themselves. The US shipping industry declined long before the rise of China’s shipbuilding sector. According to the Cato Institute, since 1960, due to US commercial shipyards’ lack of competitiveness, no vessels have been built for export in the US, and almost no US commercial shipyards’ orders have come from the competitive international market. In 1990, when China accounted for only 2.5 percent of global shipbuilding output, US shipyards had already made their exit.

The root cause of the decline of the US shipping industry can be attributed in part to its own protectionist polices. The 105-year old Jones Act, which is under review today, is a clear example. The Act has failed to keep pace with the evolving reality of global economy. It does not serve its original goals any longer, but increases the cost of the US domestic shipping, restricts competition and creates inefficiencies.

Chair, I would like to reiterate that rather than making an issue of China, we urge the United States to take the concerns raised by members in this review seriously in so many years and modify the implementation of its own Jones Act.

Thank you.