MOFCOM Spokesperson Answers Questions on the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting and Related Matters

MOFCOM Spokesperson Answers Questions on the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting and Related Matters Q: The G20 Trade Ministers Meeting was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the United States, from September 30 to October 1. We noted that the meeting reached a joint statement on opposing the weaponization of food, but did not produce outcome documents on addressing overcapacity, eliminating forced labor, and adjusting the most-favored-nation (MFN) principle. How does China view this meeting? What role did China play? A: At this G20 Trade Ministers Meeting, members exchanged views on topics set by the U.S. presidency, including opposing the weaponization of food, addressing overcapacity, eliminating forced labor, and adjusting the MFN principle. A joint statement was reached on the food issue, while no outcome documents were formed on the other issues. During consultations on the food issue, many emerging market and developing members, including China, proposed that food importing and exporting countries should jointly maintain the stability of food supply chains, and that all parties have the right to take measures for domestic public policy objectives and to safeguard food security. The presidency gave positive consideration to these views, which were also fully reflected in the joint statement. It is fair to say that this outcome was the result of consensus-building and joint efforts by all G20 members. Issues such as overcapacity and forced labor were highly controversial from the outset. At present, G20 members are broadly subject to additional Section 301 tariffs over forced labor, and most are also targets of Section 301 investigations over overcapacity. Against this backdrop, many members raised different views from various perspectives regarding the presidency's decision to set these topics and push for joint statements and cooperation mechanisms. In the end, because most members had different opinions, the meeting failed to reach outcome documents on the relevant issues. China noted that in the chair's statement issued after the meeting, the United States mentioned that it, together with two G20 countries, issued a statement on forced labor outside the G20 framework. On the issue of adjusting the MFN principle, the vast majority of members, including China, emphasized in discussions that this principle is a cornerstone of the multilateral trading system and provides stability and predictability for global trade. Once undermined, it would severely damage the foundation of the multilateral trading system. In line with the views of all parties, the presidency did not propose an outcome document on this issue. During the meeting, China maintained an open and cooperative attitude, constructively participated in discussions on all issues, and communicated closely with members, fully playing a role in promoting dialogue and consensus. At the same time, China consistently upheld principles, firmly safeguarded its own interests and the common interests of developing countries, and worked to promote G20 solidarity and cooperation. Looking ahead to the upcoming G20 Miami Summit, China is ready to work with the presidency and all members to uphold consensus-building and solidarity, and jointly contribute positive and practical economic and trade outcomes to the summit. This article is excerpted from the Ministry of Commerce. Edited by Chen Wenfang, GMTEight.