China has defended its record at the World Trade Organization, presenting itself as a responsible partner in international commerce as the US distances itself from multilateral institutions.
In a white paper released on Thursday, Beijing took aim at US measures to raise tariffs on foreign goods and heighten scrutiny of Chinese investment, reiterating its opposition to trade curbs.
“Any WTO member implementing measures to restrict trade acts against the interests of the global economy,” said Wang Shouwen, vice-minister of commerce, said on Thursday, adding that measures in the name of national security should only be taken in “exceptional circumstances”.