26 March 2026

Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

The international economic governance system is undergoing unprecedented trials. As President XI Jinping pointed out, “the rougher the seas, the more we must pull together”. At this moment, as we discuss “foundational issues”,we should do so by reflecting on the “original aspirations” of the WTO and exploring “where we go from here”. I would like to share three observations with you.

First, faced with changes and challenges,we need to strengthen support for the rules-based multilateral trading system with greater resolve.

The WTO is a key institution to promote economic globalization. From 1995 to 2024, world trade in goods and services expanded more than fivefold. The current trade disruptions further testifies the value of the rules-based multilateral trading system. Without WTO rules, the global trade would return to the “law of the jungle”where might makes right, global economy and the welfare of people worldwide would face severe consequences. The multilateral trading system cannot be weakened; rather, it should be strengthened amidst the changes.China calls for members at MC14 to jointly send a firm message of safeguarding the multilateral trading system and unequivocally oppose unilateralism and protectionism.

Second, we need to uphold the originalaspirationsandresolutelysafeguardfundamental principles in the process of WTOreform.

Members have already reached a common understanding on the necessity and urgency of WTO reform. The next step is to deepen discussions on what to reform and how to reform.China believes that members should resolutely uphold the fundamental role of most-favored-nation treatment. MFN is the bedrock of the rules-based multilateral trading system and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Certain member is claiming that the MFN has outdated, and the rationale behind it is to exercise its power and and pursue one on one negotiations. We must think deeply about its potential consequences to the whole system and the membership, in particular the devastating effects on medium and small developing members. Meanwhile, development must be placed at the center of the reform agenda. It is crucial to actively address developing Members' concerns, respond to their expectations,resolve long-standing development issues, and help developing Members seize opportunities of digital transformation, green development, and artificial intelligence. Members should pursue reform in a manner that respects diverse economic systems and stages of development. WTO members are diverse in terms of their development stages,economic systems and comparative advantages.The Pandora's box of the “law of the jungle” would be opened, if the differences in economic systems were used as an pretext to treat members differently,form closed and discriminatory cliques, and in fact resort to unilateral bullying and protectionism. That would eventually damage the interests of the whole membership.

Third, to ensure this multilateral ship sailssteadily and far, China is ready to bring utmostresolve and sincerity to its cooperation with allparties.

Last September, Premier LI Qiang announced that China will not seek new special and differential treatment in ongoing and future WTO negotiations. In February, China submitted to the WTO a position paper outlining its stance on WTO reform under the current circumstances. China will work with all parties to develop a work plan for WTO reform at MC14. China is supportive of fair competition as an important task for the reform work plan. As certain members are introducing a series of protectionist measures and sliding into the unfair market, it is imminent and essential to discuss the issue of level playing field in the WTO.

Colleagues, history has repeatedly proved that multilateralism is a proven prescription for sound global governance, and cooperation for mutual benefit is the trend of the times. We should stand on the right side of history, replace confrontation with dialogue, counter power politics with rules, and guide the future through reform. Together, let's work to build and uphold an international economic and trade order that is fair, just, open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial, and let the torch of multilateralism illuminate the path forward for all.

Thank you.