The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday slammed the U.S. for suggesting that China does not deserve to be considered a developing country in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
"The WTO is not dictated by one or selected countries. Instead, the shared will of all members should be respected," said Hua Chunying, the ministry's spokesperson.
This comes after the United States issued a memorandum on Friday asserting China and other countries are taking advantage of their developing-country status in the WTO.
China responded that the "special and differential treatment" reflects the core values and basic principles of the WTO, adding that most members believe that such core values must be safeguarded, no matter how the WTO is reformed.
Hua also noted the U.S. previously made two similar proposals, but both were rejected.
She said the U.S. has been exaggerating the development level of some developing members. This has been repeatedly opposed by most developing members.
Washington also asked the organization to make changes within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, or it may take unilateral actions.
Beijing said those requirements are arrogant and selfish.
Hua added that in a recent report, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said that development is a multi-dimensional concept, suggesting the current categorization of developing countries is reasonable.
Although China enjoys a relatively high GDP, its per capita figure last year was only around 9,600 U.S. dollars, ranking 68th in the world – far behind that of the United States – which was more than 62,000 U.S. dollars.
As the biggest developing country that claims its status of a developing country, China does not intend to shy away from its due international responsibilities. It is in fact upholding the basic rights of developing countries, which in itself is an act that champions international fairness and justice.
China said it will continue to support the multilateral trading system and work to steer WTO reforms in the right direction.