Editor's note: Pan Deng is a current affairs commentator. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

The post-war international trading system, a remarkable engine of global prosperity, finds itself navigating increasingly treacherous waters. A confluence of rising unilateral impulses, strains on established global governance mechanisms and a drift toward economic nationalism in certain nations presents profound challenges to the principles of openness, fairness and predictability that underpin multilateral trade. The accumulation of trade-restrictive measures remains a concern for the global economy.

In the era of uncertainty, clearer and more consistent voices championing the foundational tenets of the multilateral trading order are more critical than ever. Increasingly, one of such voices emanates from Beijing, as China articulates and demonstrates a robust and firm commitment to defending and strengthening the system that has facilitated its remarkable economic ascent and continues to be indispensable for global development.

Global trade at a crossroads: Navigating systemic strains

The headwinds confronting the global trading system are undeniable and multifaceted. Many countries observe a concerning trend where a few major economies appear to be deviating from long-held multilateral norms, opting instead for unilateral actions that introduce significant uncertainties into international trade flows.

This often manifests in imposing trade restrictions or tariffs outside the agreed-upon World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, creating a more fragmented and contentious global economy. The WTO, the cornerstone of rules-based trade, has faced operational challenges, not least the impasse concerning its Appellate Body, which has constrained its vital dispute settlement function – a mechanism China has consistently utilized and publicly supported.

As the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned in its economic outlook reports, such policy-driven uncertainty and trade tensions can significantly drag global economic growth and investment. The growing economic nationalism, where domestic priorities are sometimes pursued with insufficient regard for their international repercussions, further complicates the picture, risking a tit-for-tat escalation that benefits no one.

The broader "weaponization" of economic policies, where trade and investment become instruments of geopolitical pressure rather than tools for mutual economic advancement, erodes the trust and predictability essential for stable global commerce.

Beijing's voice: Championing multilateralism and open trade

Amid the systemic strains, China's multilateralism advocacy has been consistent and prominent. Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly used international platforms to underscore China's unwavering support for the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and to call for an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory global economy.

China consistently emphasizes its commitment to upholding the multilateral trading system, participating actively in the reform of the World Trade Organization and promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. This is not mere rhetoric, but backed by tangible engagement. China has been an active participant in WTO reform discussions, submitting proposals aimed at enhancing the organization's authority and efficacy.

Its commitment to principle is further evidenced by Beijing's resolute approach to addressing unilateral tariff impositions, such as those characterized by some as "reciprocal" tariffs, which have been a source of friction. China has consistently articulated its opposition to such measures through official channels, including the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China statements and comprehensive white papers like the one released in April 2025 on China-U.S. economic and trade relations, which reiterated that "cooperation benefits both sides while confrontation harms both."

Rather than succumbing to external pressures, Beijing has engaged in substantive dialogues, exemplified by high-level economic and trade meetings. In these engagements, China has firmly upheld its legitimate national interests and the principles of mutual respect and equality. This steadfastness, clearly outlining a refusal to concede on core principles while remaining open to constructive negotiation, as detailed in its positions against "economic bullying," offers a significant precedent for other nations navigating an increasingly complex global trade environment, demonstrating that adherence to international law and mutual benefit provides a viable path to resolving disputes and resisting undue coercion.

China has also championed inclusive regional trade agreements. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which entered into force in 2022 and in which China plays a pivotal role, stands as the world's largest free trade agreement. China also emphasizes RCEP's design as a complement, not a substitute, to the multilateral system, fostering wider economic integration and reinforcing supply chains across the Asia-Pacific – a region critical to global economic dynamism.

Beyond advocacy: China's tangible contributions to stability and openness

China has undertaken proactive measures to foster economic stability domestically and globally and has demonstrated a continued commitment to deepening its economic openness, actions that directly contribute to the health of the multilateral trading system. Recognizing that its own stability is intertwined with global prosperity, Beijing's "dual circulation" development paradigm strategically seeks to bolster domestic demand while simultaneously reinforcing linkages with the global economy. In its Article IV consultations with China, the IMF has often acknowledged the importance of China's economy for global growth.

Critically, in an era of supply chain anxieties, China has made significant efforts to ensure the resilience and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains, where it plays an indispensable role. Official reports highlight initiatives to improve logistics, streamline customs procedures and ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods, thereby contributing to global manufacturing stability.

This commitment is further evidenced by China's ongoing efforts to improve its business environment for foreign enterprises. China regularly reports on the progressive shortening of the market access negative lists for foreign investment and steadily expanding market access in many sectors. New laws and regulations aimed at strengthening intellectual property rights protection and ensuring a level playing field for foreign companies operating in China are tangible demonstrations of this commitment to openness.

Such reforms are crucial for attracting foreign direct investment, which in turn fosters deeper integration into the global economy. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) also contain strong components to improve trade facilitation and infrastructure connectivity, as detailed in official BRI progress reports, which can lower trade costs and boost integration for participating developing countries.

As the global trading system navigates a period of profound uncertainty and challenge, China's role as a firm defender of multilateral principles is becoming increasingly salient. Faced with rising unilateralism and threats to established global economic governance, Beijing has not only consistently advocated for the WTO-centered multilateral framework but has also taken concrete steps to stabilize its own economy in ways that support global demand, maintain the integrity of critical supply chains and progressively open its vast market. This alignment of rhetoric and action paints a picture of a major power deeply invested in the stability and efficacy of the global trading order.

The path forward for the international community requires a renewed commitment from all quarters to the principles of cooperation and rules-based trade. China's continued engagement and constructive contributions will be pivotal in shaping a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous future for global commerce.

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