China reaffirms support for multilateral trading system after G20 talks

China has reaffirmed its commitment to the multilateral trading system and called for solidarity among G20 members following the recently concluded G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting in the United States, the Ministry of Commerce said on Sunday.

The meeting, held from Sept 30 to Oct 1 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ended with members reaching a joint statement opposing the weaponization of food. However, a spokesperson for the ministry said it failed to produce outcome documents on highly debated topics proposed by the US G20 presidency, including addressing overcapacity, eliminating forced labor, and adjusting the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) principle.

During consultations on the food issue, many emerging markets and developing members, including China, emphasized that food importers and exporters should jointly maintain the stability of global food supply chains, according to the spokesperson. These members also reiterated the right of all parties to take measures to meet domestic public policy goals and ensure food security.

These views were actively considered by the US G20 presidency and fully reflected in the joint statement, the spokesperson noted, acknowledging the consensus and joint efforts of all G20 members.

Conversely, topics such as overcapacity and forced labor were highly controversial from the outset. The spokesperson pointed out that many G20 members are currently subject to Section 301 tariffs related to forced labor and are targets of Section 301 investigations regarding overcapacity.

Against this backdrop, many members expressed differing views on the US' push to issue joint statements and establish cooperation mechanisms on these issues. Due to divergent opinions among the majority of members, no outcome documents were reached, the ministry said. The spokesperson also noted that after the meeting, the US issued a chair's statement mentioning that it had released a separate statement on forced labor with two other G20 countries outside the G20 framework.

Regarding the proposed adjustment to the MFN principle, the spokesperson said the vast majority of members, including China, stressed during discussions that the principle remains the cornerstone of the multilateral trading system. It provides stability and predictability for global trade, and any attempt to shake it would severely damage the system's foundation, the ministry added. In light of the widespread feedback, the US G20 presidency did not propose an outcome document on this topic.

Throughout the meeting, China maintained an open and cooperative attitude, participating constructively in all discussions and communicating closely with other members to promote dialogue and consensus, the spokesperson said.

"China has always adhered to its principles, resolutely safeguarded the common interests of itself and other developing countries, and strived to promote G20 unity and cooperation," the spokesperson added.

Looking ahead to the upcoming G20 Miami Summit, China is willing to work with the G20 presidency and all members to uphold consensus and solidarity, and jointly contribute positive and pragmatic economic and trade outcomes to the summit, the ministry said.