Editor's note: Jiao Zhe is an opinion editor with CGTN Digital. The article is based on an exclusive interview by CGTN's Tian Wei, which reflects the interviewee's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced on Tuesday that its Appellate Body (AB) would become dysfunctional on December 11 as the U.S. has vetoed a fresh plan of replacing judges. Clouds of doubts and worries shadowed over the globe at the news of the big setback.
Former Chair Professor of WTO AB Zhang Yuejiao shared her thoughts on the issue with CGTN's Tian Wei on the World Insight. She said the AB will come back and the WTO will never die.
The AB, which has been widely considered as the Supreme Court in the sphere of international trade, is the court of appeals at the WTO. It is staffed by seven members and Professor Zhang served as one of them over eight years.
'They said don't give up, we need to move forward'
As the soul-sucking news baffled Professor Zhang, she instantly sent a letter early morning on December 10 to her former colleagues with the following encouraging words: "No matter what difficulties we may encounter, we should always follow our belief in the rule of law."
Her colleagues echoed her sentiments and expressed confidence in normalizing the AB again.
The rule of law is recognized by all
The AB has successfully ruled more than 200 disputes worldwide since it was founded alongside WTO 25 years ago. After serving as one of the most effective mechanisms for trade dispute settlement in WTO, the AB is finally witnessing its own doom.
Since the Trump administration took office two years ago, the American government began obstructing the selection process for new AB judges, citing "structural problems."
As an order breaker and rule destroyer, President Donald Trump muddied up the world norms with the slogan of "American first." His unilateralism and protectionism have targeted the entire international trade system and the AB is its most recent prey.
"Every country should observe and fulfill its obligations and international commitments," said Professor Zhang.
Not one less
Former WTO Director General Pascal Lamy once said that the world can possibly entertain the thought that there might be a chance that one has to function without the participation of the United States.
But Zhang Yuejiao begged to differ. She nodded that it could happen that way, but it's not desirable because the WTO has 164 members and they don't want to have a member, particularly an important member, left out.
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)