China has called on G20 members to uphold multilateralism and strengthen cooperation, as trade ministers met in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from September 30 to October 1 to discuss food security, industrial overcapacity, forced labor and the most-favored-nation principle.

According to China's Ministry of Commerce, the meeting adopted a joint statement on food security, while no outcome documents were reached on the other issues.

China's International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang attended the meeting and spoke on the key issues. He called on G20 members to uphold multilateralism and support the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization. On the most-favored-nation principle, he said it should be maintained and strengthened as a foundation of the multilateral trading system. On production capacity, Li called for comprehensive and objective analysis from a global perspective and greater emphasis on industrial policy dialogue and cooperation.

During the meeting, Li also held bilateral meetings or brief talks with the heads of delegations from the United States, the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, the Republic of Korea and Poland, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Following the meeting, the ministry said China had participated constructively in discussions, maintained communication with other members and sought to promote talks and cooperation. It added that China would work with the US and other G20 members ahead of the upcoming G20 summit in Miami to contribute to economic and trade outcomes.