China Declares It Will Not Seek New WTO Special Treatment

Premier Li Qiang has announced that China will no longer seek new special and differential treatment (SDT) in current and future World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations, a move framed as a show of responsibility and commitment to the multilateral trading system.

Speaking at a United Nations General Assembly–related meeting in New York, Li emphasized that although China acceded to the WTO as a developing member, and remains entitled to SDT under its rules, the country is voluntarily choosing restraint.

“China will not seek new SDT in the current and future WTO negotiations,” Li said. “This is a concrete action to support multilateralism, promote global development, and demonstrate China’s responsibility as the world’s largest developing country.”

Balancing Development and Responsibility

China underscored that it continues to face the challenges of “unbalanced and inadequate development,” with poverty reduction and modernization still ongoing priorities. Officials stressed that the new stance does not change China’s WTO classification as a developing member, nor does it alter its treatment in other international organizations and treaties.

Reinforcing Multilateralism

The decision comes at a time of heightened trade tensions and instability, with Beijing criticizing unilateral tariff measures imposed by certain countries for disrupting the global economic order. Chinese officials argued that stepping back from new SDT claims will help the WTO concentrate more directly on development, inclusiveness, and narrowing the North-South divide.

“China’s commitment to protecting the rights of developing members will not change, nor will our efforts to promote trade and investment liberalization,” the statement read.

Implications for WTO Reform

The move is expected to strengthen China’s voice in ongoing debates about WTO reform. By voluntarily foregoing new SDT requests, China seeks to position itself as a constructive leader in global governance while maintaining solidarity with other developing economies.

“China has always been part of the Global South, and always will be,” the government declared, pledging continued support for developing members in the multilateral trading system.