China has criticized the United States' "reciprocal tariff" policy for its "unilateral and misleading" narrative and flawed logic. It also urged the United States to faithfully adhere to the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and maintain the stability of the global trading system.

During a meeting of the Council for Trade in Services on Friday at the WTO headquarters, the Chinese delegation stated that the U.S. narrative of "reciprocal tariffs" is unilateral and misleading because it focuses exclusively on trade in goods and ignores trade in services.

The delegation urged the United States not to apply double standards regarding WTO rules. The United States cannot benefit while preventing other countries, especially developing members, from benefiting from the WTO.

While acknowledging that China and the United States have reached a consensus through equal discussions, which helps to ease tensions, the delegation stated that while bilateral negotiations can serve as a channel to mitigate and resolve trade frictions, such arrangements must be based on WTO rules, should not violate the fundamental principle of non-discrimination, and should not harm the interests of third parties.

China urges all members to address their trade concerns within the framework of the WTO and to resolve trade disputes through multilateral cooperation rather than through unilateral measures.

China also emphasized the importance of accelerating the reform of the WTO in order to strengthen the open, stable, and predictable international trading system.

The statement from the Chinese delegation was circulated among WTO members. Developed members, including the European Union, Australia, and Canada, and developing members, such as Brazil and Pakistan, responded positively.

CMG