Expert: China's no new WTO SDT pledge shows leadership in trade reform

China has taken a landmark step in global trade governance, announcing it will no longer seek new special and differential treatment (SDT) in ongoing or future negotiations at the World Trade Organization.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang made the pledge on Tuesday while addressing a UN General Assembly event, stressing that the decision reflects China's commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system and advancing the Global Development Initiative.

"As the world's largest developing country, China will not seek new SDT in WTO talks," Li said. "This decision will inject confidence into global trade liberalization and add positive momentum to WTO reform."

China's stance: Support without renouncing its status

Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang emphasized that China remains a developing country and will continue to stand with the Global South. The announcement, he said, reflects China's commitment to "true multilateralism," while ensuring developing members' interests remain central to WTO reform.

SDT – allowing developing members longer transition periods, lower levels of commitments and access to technical assistance – has long been a cornerstone of the multilateral trading system. China, which joined the WTO in 2001 as a developing member, has consistently handled SDT issues "independently and pragmatically," contributing to major outcomes such as the Services Domestic Regulation deal and the COVID-19 vaccine IP waiver.

Expert: Not a retreat, but a signal

Ji Wenhua, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics, called the move "a rational adjustment" that matches China's development stage and sends a strong signal of responsibility.

"This is not China giving up its developing country status," Ji said. "China is simply no longer seeking new SDT benefits. It still retains all existing rights and has the capacity to defend its interests in future negotiations."

Ji added that by voluntarily adjusting its rights claims, China is helping break negotiation deadlocks and setting an example of balancing national interest with collective progress.

MOFCOM officials emphasized that the pledge comes at a time when unilateral tariffs and protectionist measures by "certain countries" are straining the rules-based multilateral trading system. China's move, they noted, stands in sharp contrast, providing what Ji described as "political momentum" for cooperation over confrontation.

"Western developed countries should follow China's lead – fulfill their promises to developing members in market access, technology transfer and capacity building, rather than shirking responsibilities in the name of 'fairness,'" Ji said.

With the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference set for March 2026 in Cameroon, China says it will keep development at the heart of WTO reform, push for updated rules on investment facilitation and e-commerce, and work with all members to strengthen the multilateral system.

"This is China showing leadership, not only protecting its own interests but giving a confidence boost to developing countries worldwide," Ji concluded.