China has announced it will no longer seek special and differential treatment (SDT) at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a move that could open the door for long-awaited global trade reforms—particularly benefiting small island developing states like Barbados.
The announcement came from Chinese Premier Li Qiang in New York during the High-Level Meeting on the Global Development Initiative. The decision was warmly welcomed by Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds and the island’s WTO Ambassador Matthew Wilson.
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A Step Toward Reform
Minister Symmonds hailed the announcement as a turning point:
“This development is a most important step in the necessary give and take of negotiations, to reform the WTO and create opportunities for significant and tangible reform.”
Wilson agreed, noting that China’s move may help unlock progress on key negotiations, including the G90 agreement proposals, the second phase of the fisheries subsidies agreement, and other ongoing discussions.
Balancing the Playing Field
SDT provisions in WTO agreements give developing countries special rights and preferential treatment. However, China’s use of SDT had long been a point of contention, especially for the United States, which argued that the world’s second-largest economy and leading merchandise trader no longer fit the profile of a developing country.
Symmonds emphasised the imbalance:
“China’s ability to access SDT aligned it with small and vulnerable economies like Barbados, despite the vast differences in scale. This has been a source of contention for larger economies and has stalled meaningful reform.”
He added that the U.S. must now show similar flexibility, particularly on the dispute settlement mechanism, which Washington has resisted.
“Effective regulation of global trade requires a dispute settlement system all members can trust and abide by.”
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A Signal of Maturity
Ambassador Wilson described China’s decision as a “mature” step that demonstrated leadership.
“It recognises that while SDT remains a treaty-embedded right for developing countries, China’s choice to forgo it sends a signal of commitment to preserving the multilateral trading system and moving negotiations forward.”
A Pivotal Moment for the WTO
WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised the move, calling it “a pivotal moment” that strengthens the organisation’s future.
“China’s decision reflects a commitment to a more balanced and equitable global trading system. It sends a strong signal of support for WTO reform and will help foster a more level playing field for all members.”
For Barbados and other small economies, this development could mean fairer negotiations, stronger trade opportunities, and renewed momentum in modernising global trade rules.
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