The Zhitong Finance App learned that on October 4, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters on the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting and related matters. A Ministry of Commerce spokesman mentioned that at this G20 trade ministers meeting, members exchanged views on topics such as opposing the weaponization of food, dealing with overcapacity, eliminating forced labor, and adjusting the most-favoured-nation treatment principles set by the chairman, and reached a joint statement on the food issue. In discussions on food issues, many emerging markets and developing members, including China, proposed that food importers and exporters should work together to maintain the stability of the food supply chain, and at the same time, all parties have the right to take measures to guarantee food security based on domestic public policy goals. The presidency gave positive consideration to these comments and were fully reflected in the joint statement. It should be said that this achievement was the result of consensus and joint efforts of all G20 members.
The original text is as follows:
Ministry of Commerce spokesman answers reporters' questions on G20 trade ministers meeting and related matters
Q: From September 30 to October 1, the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting was held in Milwaukee, WI, USA. According to information, the conference reached a joint statement on opposing the weaponization of food, and no outcome document was formed on dealing with overcapacity, eliminating forced labor, and adjusting the most-favoured-nation treatment principles. How does the Chinese side evaluate this conference? What role has China played?
A: At this G20 trade ministers meeting, members exchanged views on topics such as opposing the weaponization of food, dealing with overcapacity, eliminating forced labor, and adjusting the most-favoured-nation treatment principles set by the US, and reached a joint statement on the food issue. The rest of the topics did not result in an outcome document.
In discussions on food issues, many emerging markets and developing members, including China, proposed that food importers and exporters should work together to maintain the stability of the food supply chain, and at the same time, all parties have the right to take measures to guarantee food security based on domestic public policy goals. The presidency gave positive consideration to these comments and were fully reflected in the joint statement. It should be said that this achievement was the result of consensus and joint efforts of all G20 members.
Issues such as overcapacity and forced labor have been very controversial since its inception. Currently, G20 members are generally subject to the 301 tariff on forced labor, and most of them are also the subject of the 301 investigation of overcapacity. In this context, many members put forward different views from different perspectives on setting up the above topics of the presidency and promoting the issuance of joint statements and the establishment of cooperation mechanisms. In the end, the conference was unable to reach an outcome document on the relevant topics because most members had different opinions. The Chinese side notes that the US side mentioned in its presidential statement after the meeting that it together with the two G20 countries issued a statement on forced labor issues outside the G20 framework.
On the issue of adjusting the most-favoured-nation principle, the vast majority of members, including China, emphasized during discussions that this principle is the cornerstone of the multilateral trading system, provides stability and predictability to global trade, and once it is shaken, it will seriously damage the foundation of the multilateral trading system. In accordance with the views of all parties, the presidency did not propose an outcome document on this subject.
During the conference, China always maintained an open and cooperative attitude, participated constructively in discussions on various topics, and closely communicated with members, giving full play to its role in promoting discussions and cooperation. At the same time, China always adheres to principles, resolutely upholds the common interests of itself and developing countries, and strives to promote G20 solidarity and cooperation.
Looking forward to the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, China is ready to work with the presidency and all members, adhere to consensus, unity and cooperation, and jointly contribute positive and practical economic and trade results to the summit.
This article was edited by the Ministry of Commerce, Zhitong Finance Editor: Chen Wenfang.