Global trading system's advocates rally in defense, revealed at think tank event; China's stance underscores not just self-interests, but system's preservation.

Chinese Expert's Stance on Multilateral System at 12th CCG VIP Luncheon

Shaking up the capital on April 16, 2025, a Chinese expert shared their thoughts on the multilateral system during the 12th CCG VIP Luncheon in Beijing. Here's a quick rundown of China's current viewpoint on this matter.

Ambivalence Towards Unilateralism

China has made it clear they're against unilateralism! The country champions international cooperation and global harmony, taking a leadership role in advocating for worldwide solidarity. They nix protectionist measures, like unilateral tariffs, that threaten to disrupt global supply chains and jeopardize the World Trade Organization (WTO)-centered multilateral trading system [5]. In times of tension, Chinese officials don't mince words, denouncing "tariff and trade wars" for having no winners and admonishing other nations for employing underhanded tactics like "maximum pressure, threats, and blackmail" [1][5].

Embrace of Multilateralism

At an April 2025 UN Arria-formula meeting, China reminded everyone of the importance of adhering to the United Nations Charter. Addressing the risks posed by unilateralism, especially its deleterious effects on developing nations and progress toward the 2030 Agenda, aligns with China's broader diplomatic mission. China often collaborates with partners to defend the multilateral system as a "steadfast force" for developing countries [3], echoing broader joint statements made in support of the system [4].

Call for International Solidarity

Chinese officials are encouraging countries to stand together and resist "trade bullying" [1]. They caution that making concessions will only embolden aggressors, and exhort traditional free-trade advocates, such as the UK, to side with multilateralism and the "majority of the international community" [1][3].

Although the specifics of the expert's speech at the 12th CCG VIP Luncheon aren't publicly available, China's 2025 public stance consistently emphasizes fair dialogue (based on mutual respect and shared benefit) and combined action against unilateralism [1][4][5]. These principles likely set the stage for the meaningful discussions at such forums.

The Chinese expert, speaking at the 12th CCG VIP Luncheon in Beijing, reiterated China's opposition to unilateralism, stating their preference for a multilateral system that promotes international cooperation and global harmony.
In alignment with this stance, the expert denounced tactics such as tariff and trade wars, emphasizing the need for global solidarity and cooperation.
China's position in 2025 emphasizes fair dialogue, mutual respect, and shared benefit, and they encouraged countries to stand together against "trade bullying."
The expert's call for resistance to trade bullying was aimed at both the international community and traditional free-trade advocates, such as the UK, with a focus on the majority of the international community supporting multilateralism.
In policy-and-legislation and general news discourses, China's stance in 2025 consistently advocates for the multilateral system, viewing it as a "steadfast force" for developing countries and a means to avoid the deleterious effects of unilateralism on the global economy.