观点 | 纪文华：多边规则如何守护全球供应链韧性？隐忧与对策

Core Viewpoint - The discussion emphasizes the increasing complexity and politicization of global supply chains, driven by geopolitical tensions, technological changes, and other challenges, necessitating a focus on supply chain resilience and stability [4][7]. Group 1: Current Situation - The structure of global industries and supply chains has become more complex and politicized due to factors such as great power strategic competition, geopolitical conflicts, technological changes, global pandemics, and climate change [4]. - Countries have implemented various national policies and trade measures aimed at enhancing the resilience and security of their supply chains [4]. Group 2: Types of Measures - Unilateral and inward-looking measures: Some countries impose trade and investment restrictions on specific foreign goods, provide subsidies to domestic industries, and conduct security reviews of their supply chains, which often violate multilateral rules and increase economic costs [5]. - Regional and "small multilateral" arrangements: Countries establish closer ties with a limited number of partners through bilateral or multilateral mechanisms, which can create new barriers for non-participants and lack clear rules [6]. - Multilateral mechanisms for rule coordination: Some nations attempt to use platforms like the WTO and G20 to promote trade openness and cooperation in supply chain resilience, although these initiatives often remain conceptual without binding agreements [6]. Group 3: Importance of Multilateralism - The need for responsible nations to engage in multilateral discussions is highlighted, as unilateral measures can lead to a cycle of trade distortions and further disruptions in global supply chains [7]. - Strengthening multilateral mechanisms and promoting rule-based arrangements for supply chain security and stability is seen as a constructive way forward [7]. Group 4: Suggestions for Moving Forward - A call for like-minded WTO members to take a proactive role in initiating informal working groups or "small multilateral" initiatives to enhance focus on supply chain issues [8]. - Suggested elements for a global arrangement include reforming WTO rules, opposing decoupling measures, clarifying conditions for supply chain stability measures, and establishing supply assurance obligations for dominant countries in key supply chains [9][10].