China to forgo developing country perks at WTO
Beijing just gave up World Trade Organization (WTO) perks tied to its developing country status.
On Tuesday, Premier Li Qiang told the UN General Assembly in New York (Xinhua):
- “As a responsible major developing country, China will not seek new special and differentiated treatment in current or future WTO negotiations."
A quick definition: Special and differential treatment (SDT) provisions give developing countries longer WTO implementation timelines, softer commitments on subsidies and tariffs, and more market access.
- China’s eligibility for SDT has deadlocked WTO negotiations, with developed countries resisting carve-outs for the developing world over fears China would unfairly benefit.
WTO officials celebrated the move: The organization's Director-general posted pics with Li on X, saying she "applaud[s] China's leadership on this issue."
Get smart: By relinquishing SDT perks but describing itself as a "major developing country," Beijing is giving ground to Washington and Brussels while presenting itself as a champion of the Global South.
Get smarter: The move also allows Beijing to push for new support to the developing world without appearing self-interested.
- That could help it rally a Global South bloc heading into the March 2026 WTO Ministerial Conference.