China can play crucial role in advancing reform of multilateral trading system: WTO chief

Noting that the multilateral trading system has demonstrated resilience amid shocks to global trade rules and a rise in protectionism and it is now in urgent need of reform to solidify its foundations, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said China can play a crucial role in this regard.

In a recent interview with the China Media Group on the sidelines of the ongoing annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the necessity of reforming the global multilateral system.

"In spite of these disruptions, the system is remaining resilient. So, prior to the tariffs from the U.S., 80 percent of world trade was on WTO most-favored-nation terms. After the tariffs, the system has been impacted, but 72 percent of world trade is still on WTO terms. So there's resilience in the system. But obviously, there's room for improvement, for reforms to further strengthen the system and I believe these reforms have to be done by WTO members," the WTO chief said.

Speaking on China's role within the multilateral trading framework, she noted that China has always been an important participant and a steadfast supporter of the multilateral trading system, playing an active and constructive part in advancing WTO reform.

"China has been a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system. And -- the WTO -- we are pleased that China supports the system. China made an important decision to withdraw from access to special and differential treatment. They have decided to withdraw (from it) in future agreements and I think this is excellent. It sets a good example. But we need reform at the WTO, and we need China to support very strongly these reforms. The indication we have from China is that it is very supportive," she said.

The five-day WEF annual meeting opened in the Swiss Alpine town on Monday, gathering 3,000 leaders and experts worldwide to discuss pressing global challenges including enhancing cooperation, unlocking new sources of growth and deploying innovation at scale and responsibly.

China can play crucial role in advancing reform of multilateral trading system: WTO chief

China can play crucial role in advancing reform of multilateral trading system: WTO chief

A Russian navy fleet consisting of Navy corvettes Sovershennyy and Rezkiy, and the medium-sized oil tanker Pechenga arrived in Zhanjiang City of south China's Guangdong Province on Wednesday for a goodwill visit.

The Russian fleet, flying the flags of both Russia and China, docked on Wednesday morning at a military port in Zhanjiang, where the Chinese side held a welcome ceremony.

During the visit, Chinese and Russian officers and soldiers will tour each other's ships, attend receptions, participate in professional exchanges, and compete in sporting events.

The visiting vessels belong to the Russian Pacific Fleet and had all previously participated in cooperation and exchange activities between the two Navies.

The Chinese vessel participated in the exchange, Chenzhou, is a home-grown guided-missile frigate, with strong early warning and detection capabilities as well as comprehensive combat capabilities in multiple aspects, including shore bombardment, anti-ship, anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare. Since its commissioning, it has participated in and successfully completed a number of major drills and military exercises.

"I hope that in the following days of the event, we can deepen friendship and engage in professional and technical discussions with our Russian counterparts, and showcase the excellent image of the Chinese Navy," said Zhang Wenxuan, a Chinese Navy sub-lieutenant on Frigate Chenzhou.

The visit is part of routine goodwill exchanges between the two Navies, aimed at further enhancing mutual trust and practical cooperation, which is neither targeted at any third party nor linked to the current international and regional situation.

Russian Navy fleet visits south China's port city