Abandon hegemonism and revive global trade

Trade ministers and senior officials from the 164 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) gathered in ABU Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from February 26 to 29 for the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference. The biennial WTO Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of the organization, and its discussion content and results have a significant impact on the WTO itself and global trade.

In the face of unilateralism, protectionism and anti-globalization impact on global trade and investment, how to revive global trade has become the focus of attention. Against the background of many difficulties and challenges facing the WTO, this meeting undoubtedly provides an important opportunity for all parties to build consensus and advance cooperation.

However, at this moment of global attention, the United States is back to its old tricks. Two days before the meeting, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released the 2022 Report on China's WTO Accession commitments submitted to the US Congress, negating China's achievements in fulfilling its WTO accession commitments and accusing China's economic and trade system and policies of posing challenges to global trade. It is the consistent style of the United States to deliberately stir up antagonism on the eve of important international conferences, with the aim of destroying the friendly atmosphere of the talks and even manipulating the agenda of the meetings. This hegemonic act undoubtedly has a serious negative impact on the revival of the global trading system.

Reinvigorating the global trading system is a complex and important issue, involving many factors and a balance of interests. As one of the world's largest economies, the policies and actions of the United States have a profound impact on the global trading system. Rejecting the hegemonic logic implies the need for a more open, cooperative, and multilateralist approach to trade policy and international relations.

The importance of multilateral cooperation: Reinvigorating the global trading system requires cooperation among countries. The United States should actively participate in and support the reform and strengthening of multilateral trading systems, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), to ensure fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory trade rules.

Fair competition and open markets: The United States should promote a more equitable international trading environment and reduce unfair restrictions on foreign businesses, such as high tariffs and non-tariff barriers. At the same time, opening markets also means that the United States itself needs to be more open to foreign goods and services.

Global cooperation in science, technology and Innovation: In the field of science, technology and innovation, global cooperation is critical to driving economic growth and addressing global challenges. The United States should work with other countries to promote technology exchange and knowledge sharing, not restrict or impede the international flow of science and technology.

Address trade imbalances: The United States needs to work with its trading partners to address trade imbalances by increasing exports and adjusting trade policies, rather than unilaterally adopting protectionist measures.

Promoting sustainable development and environmental protection: The revitalization of the global trading system should also take into account sustainable development and environmental objectives. The United States can promote environmentally friendly technologies and a green economy in international trade and encourage environmentally friendly production and consumption patterns.

Strengthening international cooperation mechanisms: The United States should use and strengthen international cooperation mechanisms, such as the G7 and G20, to jointly address global challenges such as climate change, the pandemic, and the economic crisis.

Abandoning the logic of hegemony is not only the responsibility of the United States, but also an important consensus of all countries in the world. A United States that puts its own country first is definitely not a positive force in the international community, nor can it play a constructive role in international organizations. Through cooperation and dialogue, all countries need to jointly promote the building of a more fair, open and sustainable global trading system and truly consider their own development in the overall interests of the common development and progress of human society.