China Poses Obstacles To Doha Negotiations? China Accuses It Of Being Groundless.

According to the website of the Ministry of Commerce of China, at the July 28th WTO Doha Round negotiations held in Geneva, the Chinese Delegation stated that these accusations were groundless in view of the main developed countries' insistence on China's insistence on the tariff reduction of some sensitive agricultural products and the opposition to the liberalization of the compulsory industrial sector and the obstruction of Doha Round negotiations.

Chen Deming, Minister of Commerce of China, pointed out that the major developed members are the biggest beneficiaries of the current round of negotiations and have retained a large space for agricultural subsidies. They should give full understanding to the core concerns of developing countries and should not set obstacles to the solution of these problems.

On the issue of sectoral liberalization, Chen Deming said that the principle of voluntary participation by all parties should be followed, and those sectors that had export interests to developing countries should be selected to demonstrate that the Doha negotiation is the spirit of the development round.

Many other developing countries such as India, Indonesia, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Mauritius expressed their support for China's position.

Since the Ministerial Conference of the major members of WTO was held in Geneva in July 23rd, the ministers of the more than 30 members have continued strained negotiations on the core issues of Doha's negotiations on agriculture and non-agriculture, pushing for an agreement on agriculture and non-agricultural mode.

Since the standpoint of all sides was deadlocked, the negotiations were at an impasse.

On the 23 day, WTO director general Lamy invited ministers from 7 members of China, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia, India and Brazil to hold small-scale consultations. However, no breakthrough has been made.

Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming appealed to all parties, especially the major developed members, to assume their responsibilities and continue their efforts to find acceptable solutions.

Chen Deming's position was echoed by other ministers.

During the next few days, some important progress has been made in the negotiations. However, the differences between the special safeguard mechanism of agriculture and the reduction of industrial products are still serious.

In the past few days of negotiations, the Chinese delegation adhered to the principles, took the overall situation into consideration and was pragmatic and had played a constructive role in the crucial moment of negotiations. It was highly appreciated by the majority of members and the WTO Secretariat.

The meeting of major members of the WTO, which was scheduled to end in July 27th, has been postponed.