China's WTO ambassador says US disrupts global economic system

China's ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) said the United States is disrupting the global economic system with its support policies.

According to Reuters, on December 14 (local time), Chinese Ambassador to the WTO Li Chengzhang expressed disappointment with US economic policies, saying they go against President Joe Biden's commitment to "lead by example".

"Washington is demonstrating its 'America First' policy by applying its own laws above international rules and regulations. It seems to disregard WTO rules and the concerns of other member countries. It is clear that the US is disrupting the multilateral economic system," Mr. Li said during a review of US trade policy at the WTO headquarters.

Chinese Ambassador to the WTO Li Chengzhang. Photo: Reuters

In response to China’s statement, US Ambassador to the WTO Maria Pagán defended Washington’s policies, stressing that “the United States has always been an open and competitive economy with the lowest tariffs in the world.”

Li's comments came after China filed a complaint with the WTO against US semiconductor export controls. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the move was necessary to protect the country's "legitimate rights and interests", adding that Washington's actions "threaten the stability of the global industrial supply chain".