Safeguarding interests of developing nations and fulfilling mission of major developing country

Editor's note: Ding Ru is an associate professor at the School of International Law, China University of Political Science and Law. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

During the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Chinese Premier Li Qiang declared that, as a responsible major developing country, China will not seek new special and differential treatment in current and future negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO). 

At a moment when the multilateral trading system faces daunting challenges, this important declaration by the Chinese government serves as a strong impetus for WTO reform, boosting confidence among all parties and responding to wide expectations. It reflects the mandate set by the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for pursuing high-standard opening up, demonstrates China's commitment as a major country to advancing economic globalization, and represents a significant step in building a community with a shared future for humanity.

China's consistent stance as a developing member state has benefited the Global South

China has consistently upheld its status as a "developing member" within the WTO. This choice is not only an exercise of rights under the rules but also a carefully considered strategic decision and a moral commitment.

From a legal standpoint, it is a proper application of existing international rules. A basic principle of the WTO system regarding the developing member status is self-declaration, whereby members have the right to determine their classification based on their own comprehensive national conditions. China's choice is therefore in full accord with WTO principles and rules.

From the perspective of political economy, this represents a clear value stance and international alignment. In the WTO context, "developing member" is not defined by per capita income or economic aggregate; it is a crucial political and economic marker tied to fundamental positions on global wealth distribution and rule-making. 

China is a staunch advocate and active participant in modern South-South cooperation. From the "Five Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence" championed at the Bandung Conference to coordination within frameworks such as the "Group of 77 and China," China has always shared weal and woe with other developing countries. 

By upholding this identity, China makes clear to the international community that we will always stand with the vast number of developing countries to jointly promote a new international political and economic order that is fairer and more reasonable.

From the viewpoint of development experience, China's unique journey has given it a visceral and profound understanding of the "development deficit." Through its own reforms and deep integration into globalization, China has achieved an epic economic transformation. 

We know better than any other country the systemic challenges faced by late-developing countries in industrial upgrading, institutional alignment, and social transformation. Today, global development divides remain stark, with many economies still grappling with challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and weak capacity-building. By maintaining its status as a developing country, China seeks to translate its own successful experience into public goods for the international community and effectively safeguard special and differential treatment (S&D) as a cornerstone for the development of the multilateral trading system. 

In doing so, it can secure vital policy space and development opportunities for economies still striving along the path of modernization.

China's WTO pledge on S&D: A boost for global trade fairness and cooperation

At present, the unilateral and arbitrary tariff measures imposed by the United States pose a grave threat to the rules-based multilateral trading system. The WTO is facing an internal crisis of trust, with many Members expressing concerns about its future. At such a historical crossroads, someone must step forward with concrete actions to support the multilateral trading system, mend the rifts of trust, and inject new vitality into multilateral cooperation.

China will not seek new S&D in current and future WTO negotiations, which is in line with WTO practice. Under the WTO framework, S&D refers to a range of special provisions designed to help developing members better integrate into the multilateral trading system. These provisions, distributed across various WTO agreements, take diverse forms and aim to grant developing countries greater policy flexibility, longer adjustment periods, and essential technical assistance. S&D is an institutional right of developing members. 

While WTO members may choose to exercise this right, they are equally free to choose not to in light of their development needs and responsibilities in the international society. China's choice not to pursue new S&D not only accords with WTO practice but also helps bridge the trust gap between North and South while solidifying the foundation of South-South cooperation.

On the one hand, China's decision not to seek new S&D in future negotiations contributes to rebuilding trust between developed and developing Members of the WTO. Traditionally, developed Members have often regarded developing Members' pursuit of S&D as attempts to "shirk responsibility." 

By voluntarily assuming obligations commensurate with its capabilities, China, the largest developing member, has broken this stereotype. In fact, China has already addressed S&D issues with a self-reliant and pragmatic approach in previous negotiations. For example, in order to facilitate consensus during WTO negotiations on intellectual property waivers for COVID-19 vaccines, China did not invoke its developing Member status to seek S&D. 

Instead, it refrained from seeking flexibility, thereby improving global vaccine accessibility and promoting multilateral cooperation. As a responsible major power, China has demonstrated to developed countries through practice that developing countries are willing to assume corresponding responsibilities in matters that concern global public interest.

On the other hand, China's commitment helps consolidate the foundation of trust underpinning South-South cooperation. While choosing not to seek new S&D, China remains steadfast in defending the collective interests of developing countries. 

This wisdom of "giving and taking" demonstrates to the world that China will not ignore the common aspirations of the Global South in pursuit of its own development, and that it will always remain part of the developing world. Through concrete actions, China has presented a new model of South-South cooperation, where we both support diversity in development and promote common progress. 

By engaging in dialogue with Global North countries on a more equal footing, China has, in fact, enhanced its credibility among Global South countries, enabling it to serve more effectively as a bridge between North and South and to more fully safeguard the interests of developing Members in WTO negotiations.