Core Viewpoint - The WTO's criticism of China's projected $1.2 trillion trade surplus for 2025 highlights concerns over global trade imbalances and calls for China to reduce its surplus and increase imports to alleviate international tensions [1][3][19]. Group 1: WTO's Concerns - The WTO Director-General expressed that China's trade surplus is excessively large, squeezing the trade space of other countries and leading to economic pressures and dissatisfaction globally [3]. - The organization accused China of overly relying on exports for economic growth, labeling its industrial model as "unreasonable," and urged China to reduce exports and increase imports to ease global discontent [3]. - The WTO warned that a high trade surplus could exacerbate trade frictions and called for China to take more responsibility by actively reducing its surplus to maintain global trade stability [3]. Group 2: China's Response - China's trade surplus is a result of a complete industrial chain and a large workforce, not due to unfair competition or market monopolization [5]. - The country has seen a 5.5% year-on-year increase in exports for 2025, with a global export share exceeding 15%, indicating an upgraded export structure driven by global market choices [7]. - China has been attempting to expand imports, particularly of high-end products, but faces trade barriers set by Western countries citing security concerns [7][19]. Group 3: Economic Transformation - China's reliance on exports has significantly decreased, with the foreign trade to GDP ratio dropping from 67% in 2008 to around 28% in 2025, while domestic consumption now contributes over 60% to GDP [11]. - Investments in sectors like new energy and semiconductors account for over 30% of fixed asset investments, showcasing a balanced economic model driven by consumption, investment, and exports [11]. - The trade surplus is primarily a reflection of China's industrial competitiveness and global division of labor, rather than a source of trade friction [13]. Group 4: Global Trade Dynamics - China's trade surplus has contributed to global employment and economic development, as its exports are often the result of international collaboration [17]. - The surplus allows China to import resources and agricultural products from developing countries, thereby increasing their income, which counters the notion that it generates global resentment [17]. - The essence of global trade should be based on fair competition and mutual benefit, rather than a zero-sum game where only certain countries profit [23][28]. Group 5: Future Outlook - China is committed to supporting a multilateral trade system and is willing to expand imports and promote trade balance, but insists that any concessions must be based on fairness and mutual benefit [19][21]. - The country aims to continue its efforts in promoting trade balance and contributing to global trade stability while firmly protecting its core interests [27]. - The healthy development of global trade relies on all countries adhering to principles of fairness and mutual benefit, as well as compliance with WTO rules to combat protectionism [28].
眼红中国1.2万亿美元贸易顺差,WTO提意见:中国必须让利减少仇恨
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-17 09:38