Core Viewpoint - China proposed a working approach for the WTO centered on "stability first, development prioritized, and reform as the path" to address current trade turbulence and support the multilateral trading system [1][4][5]. Group 1: China's Proposal and Agenda - China submitted a written proposal titled "Statement on Supporting the Multilateral Trading System under Current Circumstances" during the WTO General Council meeting [1]. - The proposal emphasizes the need for collective responses among WTO members to unilateral tariff measures, particularly the U.S. "reciprocal tariffs" [1][4]. - The proposal received widespread resonance from other WTO members, including Brazil, Russia, and Pakistan, who expressed strong concerns about unilateralism and supported China's suggestions for maintaining global trade stability [1]. Group 2: Key Elements of China's Working Approach - **Stability First**: China called for unity among members to stabilize trade relations, enhance transparency in trade policies, and ensure global trade operates within the WTO framework [5][6]. - **Development Prioritized**: China urged members to further open markets to least developed countries and support initiatives that provide effective assistance to developing members [5][6]. - **Reform as the Path**: China supports deepening WTO reforms, focusing on contemporary trade issues such as climate change and supply chain resilience, and promoting new rule negotiations [6][9]. Group 3: Global Economic Impact - Unilateral tariff measures could potentially reduce global GDP growth rates by 0.7 to 7 percentage points, disproportionately affecting weaker economies and least developed countries [4]. - China emphasized the importance of maintaining a rules-based multilateral trading system to counteract the adverse effects of trade tensions [4][6]. Group 4: Support from Other Members - The meeting included supportive statements from Singapore, Switzerland, and the EU, reflecting a consensus among members on the need for reform to protect the multilateral trading system [8][9]. - WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the necessity for meaningful reforms to ensure the system's effectiveness in addressing future challenges [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - The WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala acknowledges the paralysis of the appellate body and expresses a positive willingness to utilize the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) as a substitute [1][2] Group 1: WTO Reform and MPIA - The WTO's appellate body is confirmed to be in a state of paralysis, prompting the need for alternative mechanisms like MPIA [1] - Okonjo-Iweala emphasizes Japan's role in promoting participation from ASEAN and other member countries in the MPIA [1] - She asserts that even if the appellate body is restored, the MPIA should still exist as a viable alternative [2] Group 2: National Security Exception and U.S. Relations - There is a call for clearer and more cautious definitions regarding the WTO's "national security exception" rule, which allows countries to raise tariffs under certain conditions [2] - Okonjo-Iweala acknowledges the legitimacy of U.S. criticisms of the WTO and advocates for collaboration with the U.S. to reform the organization [2] Group 3: Importance of WTO - The WTO is described as a symbol of a multilateral system based on predictable and fair rules, with 90% of global trade occurring outside the U.S. [2] - The historical context of the WTO's establishment is highlighted, emphasizing the need to learn from past lessons to avoid a return to protectionism [2]

Core Points - The WTO is currently facing the largest disruption in global trade history, necessitating a focus on reform and repositioning ahead of the upcoming MC14 meeting in March 2026 [1][4] - The WTO Director-General emphasized the need for a credible roadmap to address issues arising from the current trade crisis [1][4] Group 1: WTO Reform and Priorities - Members have expressed a strong consensus on prioritizing the repositioning and reform of the WTO, highlighting its relevance and resilience amid global uncertainties [4] - Key areas for reform include addressing deficiencies in the existing rules, enhancing oversight and transparency, and improving negotiation and dispute resolution mechanisms [4] - The upcoming MC14 will also focus on agricultural negotiations, fisheries subsidies, e-commerce initiatives, and integrating investment promotion agreements into the WTO framework [4] Group 2: Dispute Resolution Mechanism - The WTO's dispute resolution mechanism is currently facing challenges, with the U.S. recently vetoing proposals to fill vacancies in the appellate body, reflecting ongoing concerns about its operation [5] - A significant number of members have shown support for proposals aimed at restoring a fully operational two-tier dispute resolution system, emphasizing the need for stability amid increasing trade turmoil [5] Group 3: Current Trade Outlook - A recent WTO report indicated a sharp deterioration in global trade prospects due to tariff policies, projecting a 0.2% decline in global goods trade volume for 2025, down from a previous forecast of 2.9% growth for 2024 [7] - The report also anticipates a significant decline in trade volume in North America, with exports expected to drop by 12.6% this year [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent developments in international trade, particularly focusing on China's assertive stance against U.S. tariffs and its efforts to rally support from developing countries at a world trade conference [3][5][10]. Group 1: U.S. Tariff Policies - The U.S. has implemented tariffs that have negatively impacted both American consumers and workers, costing approximately $57 billion annually and resulting in the loss of 245,000 jobs [6]. - The tariffs have led to increased prices for consumers, with empty supermarket shelves and rising costs causing public discontent [6]. - The article highlights the adverse effects on countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, where high tariffs have severely affected local economies and livelihoods [3][6]. Group 2: China's Response and Strategy - China, alongside over 80 developing countries, has taken a strong stand against U.S. tariff policies, presenting evidence at the world trade conference to challenge U.S. practices [3][5]. - The Chinese delegation's assertiveness is portrayed as a significant moment, with the U.S. representatives left without a defense [5]. - The article emphasizes China's role in advocating for reform within the World Trade Organization (WTO), aiming to shift the balance of power away from Western dominance [10]. Group 3: Historical Context and Implications - The article references the historical ties between the U.S. and China, particularly through personal connections, to illustrate the complexities of national identity and allegiance in the context of international relations [8]. - It suggests that the current trade dynamics are not merely about tariffs but are indicative of a larger struggle for influence and rule-making in global trade [10]. - The narrative positions China as a resilient player in the global arena, capable of leveraging its relationships with developing nations to reshape trade rules [10].