27 March 2026 

China believes that the multilateral trading system is the cornerstone of fairness in international trade. Weakening the WTO and its core principles—like most-favored-nation treatment—won't level the playing field. On the contrary, it risks shifting the system from rules-based to power-based, allowing the playing field to be tilted by a few.

We support discussions on the challenges of leveling the playing field and the reforms needed to get there, and we recognize that Members define 'fairness' differently. However, from China’s perspective, there is a real concern: when 'fairness' is defined and driven purely by self-interest, it actually becomes the biggest obstacle to achieving level playing field.

We see this in at least three areas

First, a loss of competitive advantage is more and more framed as evidence of unfair competition, and then used as a pretext to abuse trade remedies or resort to protectionist measures. Where WTO rules offer no cover, there have been moves not only to walk away from these rules, but also to undermine the dispute settlement system that enforces them.

Second, with trade-related environmental measures, fairness is too often judged from a domestic perspective, not a global one. By overlooking essential principles like common but differentiated responsibilities, these measures have shifted too much of the adjustment burden onto developing members.

Third, fairness is also used to downplay development considerations. Attempts to fix so-called imbalances may end up widening development gaps or narrowing policy space for developing members. True fairness can't be achieved without giving development concerns their due weight.

China supports strengthening the level playing field through WTO reform. We endorse the areas of focused work summarized by the Reform Facilitator as the starting point for discussion.

To move discussions forward, China would like to highlight four points:

First, uphold multilateralism and stay true to the WTO's core principles. Different understandings of fairness should lead to more engagement like we are having today, not fragmentation.

Second, focus on trade-distorting government measures. Within the WTO's mandate, there is a lot we can do, such as improving transparency, updating the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, and having serious discussions on industrial policies.

Third, fully reflect the development dimension. Developing members—especially least developed countries—must have policy space to pursue economic diversification and development goals.

Fourth, maintain inclusiveness, and avoid prejudicing outcomes. We need to respect that members are at different stages of development and have different economic systems. Our discussions should help build understanding, and foster convergence.