WTO welcomes China's announcement of not seeking new special and differential treatment

The director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Wednesday welcomed the announcement by Chinese Premier Li Qiang that China will not seek new special and differential treatment in current and future negotiations at the WTO.

"This is a pivotal moment for the WTO. China's decision reflects a commitment to a more balanced and equitable global trading system," Okonjo-Iweala said in a statement on the website of the WTO.

"It sends a strong signal of support for WTO reform and will help foster a more level playing field for all members," she said. "This move will undoubtedly energize discussions and help us work toward a more agile and effective organization for the 21st century."

The Chinese premier made the announcement on Tuesday at a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative held on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly.

Speaking at a regular press briefing on Wednesday in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said as the largest developing country in the world, China's decision is yet another example of China's sense of responsibility as a major country.

China will continue to uphold multilateral trading system, participate in the WTO reform, defend the legitimate rights and interests of developing members and build a more just and equitable global governance system, said Guo.