In a bold move at the UN General Assembly, Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced that China will no longer seek new special and differential treatment (SDT) in ongoing or future negotiations at the World Trade Organization. This landmark pledge underscores China’s commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system and advancing the Global Development Initiative.
"As the world’s largest developing country, China will not seek new SDT in WTO talks," Li said, adding that the decision "will inject confidence into global trade liberalization and add positive momentum to WTO reform."
Special and differential treatment allows developing members longer transition periods, lower levels of commitments, and access to technical assistance. Since joining the WTO in 2001, China has used SDT pragmatically to support deals like the Services Domestic Regulation agreement and the COVID-19 vaccine IP waiver.
Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang emphasized that China remains a developing country and will continue to stand with the Global South. He described the announcement as a step toward "true multilateralism," ensuring that the interests of developing members remain central to WTO reform.
By forgoing new SDT, China is signaling leadership in driving trade liberalization and reform. The move is expected to build momentum for ongoing negotiations and encourage other members to engage in more balanced, forward-looking talks.
As global trade dynamics evolve, China’s pledge could reshape expectations around SDT and set a new standard for cooperation. Observers will be watching to see how this decision influences the next wave of WTO negotiations and the broader push for a modernized multilateral trading system.
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China's no new WTO SDT pledge shows leadership in trade reform
cgtn.com
