Beijing: Base WTO reform on nondiscriminatory principles

Necessary reform to the World Trade Organization must be based on the principle of nondiscrimination and oppose protectionism and unilateralism, said a Chinese senior trade official.

Zhang Xiangchen, China's ambassador to the WTO, said on Tuesday in Geneva that WTO reform should be practical in order to facilitate global trade and investment. He also added that the WTO should restore its capacity to settle trade disputes as soon as possible.

"Reforms need to be firmly set in the course of fighting against unilateralism and protectionism. It has to push for worldwide trade liberalization and investment facilitation. It has to stick to the principle of nondiscrimination and adopt a democratic approach," he told Xinhua News Agency.