China on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the United States "reciprocal tariffs" and urged World Trade Organization (WTO) members to unite in response.
The remarks were made in a written proposal on supporting the multilateral trading system, submitted during the WTO's second General Council meeting of 2025 in Geneva.
The Chinese delegation emphasized that a stable, open, and rules-based trade order benefits all nations. While acknowledging the WTO's 30 years of success, China warned that the multilateral trade system faces significant challenges, particularly the U.S. tariffs, which threaten the foundation of global trade rules. It called on WTO members to protect and strengthen the system, stressing the importance of collective action.
In its proposal, China outlined a strategy for the WTO, focusing on three key aspects: stability, development and reform.
First, China urged WTO members to unite, stabilize trade relations, increase transparency, and strengthen monitoring to ensure trade stability.
Second, it highlighted the need to expand market access for the least developed countries and provide more effective trade-related assistance to developing nations.
Third, China called for urgent WTO reform, including addressing emerging issues like climate change and supply chain resilience, and incorporating new agreements such as the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the Electronic Commerce Agreement, into the WTO framework.
China's proposal received widespread support from WTO members, including Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, and Antigua and Barbuda, who echoed concerns over unilateral trade actions. They emphasized the need to uphold the WTO's most-favored-nation principle and to pursue meaningful reforms to ensure the WTO remains effective in an increasingly volatile global trade environment.
China urges WTO to protect multilateral trade system amid tariff concerns
China urges WTO to protect multilateral trade system amid tariff concerns
China urges WTO to protect multilateral trade system amid tariff concerns
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
