China on Wednesday reiterated that it will work with the vast majority of World Trade Organization (WTO) members who share a common goal to cope with the challenges facing the WTO Appellate Body.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks as the terms of two of the last three judges on the WTO's Appellate Body, a key part of the dispute settlement process at the trade organization, expired on Tuesday, causing the body unable to hear new disputes after that date.

This is the most massive blow to the multilateral trading system of the WTO, which could trigger unpredictable consequences, said Hua, adding that the WTO Appellate Body has become another victim of U.S. unilateralism and protectionism.

The international community cannot afford to lose fairness and justice, and cannot let individual countries do what they want, noted Hua.

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