The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce answers questions from reporters on the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting and related situations

Q: The G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA from September 30th to October 1st. It is understood that the meeting reached a joint statement opposing the weaponization of food, but did not form an outcome document on addressing overcapacity, eliminating forced labor, and adjusting the principle of most favored nation treatment. May I ask how the Chinese side evaluates this meeting? What role has China played?

Answer: At the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting, members exchanged views on issues such as opposing the weaponization of food, addressing overcapacity, eliminating forced labor, and adjusting the principle of most favored nation treatment set by the US presidency. A joint statement was reached on the food issue, but no outcome document was formed on other issues.

In the consultation on the food issue, many emerging markets and developing members, including China, have proposed that food importing and exporting countries should jointly maintain the stability of the food supply chain. At the same time, all parties have the right to take measures to achieve domestic public policy goals and ensure food security. These opinions have been actively considered by the host country and fully reflected in the joint statement. It should be said that the achievement of this result is the result of the consensus and joint efforts of all G20 members.

The issues of overcapacity and forced labor have been highly controversial since their inception. Currently, G20 members are generally subject to forced labor 301 tariffs and are mostly the targets of overcapacity 301 investigations. In this context, many members have put forward different opinions from different perspectives regarding the setting of the above-mentioned agenda by the host country and promoting the issuance of a joint statement and the establishment of a cooperation mechanism. In the end, due to the majority of members having different opinions, the meeting was unable to reach an outcome document on the relevant issues. The Chinese side has noticed that the US side mentioned in its presidential statement after the meeting that it, together with two G20 countries, issued a statement on the issue of forced labor outside the G20 framework.

Regarding the issue of adjusting the principle of most favored nation treatment, the vast majority of members, including China, emphasized in the discussion that this principle is the cornerstone of the multilateral trading system, providing stability and predictability for global trade. Once passively shaken, it will seriously damage the foundation of the multilateral trading system. According to various opinions, the host country did not propose any outcome document on this issue.

During the meeting, China always adhered to an open and cooperative attitude, actively participated in discussions on various issues, and closely communicated with members, fully playing the role of promoting talks and cooperation. At the same time, China has always adhered to principles, resolutely safeguarded its own and developing countries' common interests, and made efforts to promote G20 solidarity and cooperation.

Looking ahead to the upcoming G20 Miami Summit, China is willing to work together with the host country and all members to adhere to consensus, unity and cooperation, and jointly contribute positive and pragmatic economic and trade achievements to the summit.