Below is the statement by Ambassador Yi Xiaozhun of China at the WTO’s Trade Negotiations Committee on 29 March 2011.

China shares the anxiety and disappointment expressed by previous speakers. With the various deadlines imminent every day, the lack of progress in substance is worrisome. The question mark is getting bigger as to whether we are able to grasp the narrow window of opportunity to conclude the round in 2011, as instructed by our Leaders and agreed to by all members at the General Council of last December.

Since we last met three weeks ago, intensive engagement has continued multilaterally, plurilaterally as well as bilaterally. As known to all, China is not the demandeur of sectoral liberalization, nor does it intend to participate in any sectoral initiative. The three sectors of chemical, industrial machinery and electronic & electrical products the developed members demand involve  43% of China’s total NAMA tariff lines, and more than 55% of its total NAMA imports.

In addition, the above sectors are very sensitive to China, and participation in the sectoral arrangement means fundamentally altering the level of China’s tariff reduction in Doha, which obviously goes beyond the capabilities of a developing country.

However, in order to save the round, China is still trying its hardest to take part in the negotiations of various forms in a constructive manner, as long as those negotiations will not challenge the Doha mandate for developing countries’ “participation on a non-mandatory basis” and “special and differential treatment” and that sectors will be chosen “in particular on products of export interest to developing countries”.

We acknowledge that despite our utmost efforts, the gaps between us and some developed members on market access are still big. Nevertheless, we believe such an attempt to bridge the differences should not be wasted. For this purpose, we are of the view that the broader membership needs to be involved in the process and make concrete contribution. Let us pool the wisdom of all and make concerted efforts to save the Round from going under.

Here I would like to clarify that on top of China’s extensive and comprehensive accession commitments, China’s contribution in the Doha Round is already well above the average level of all members, and we have pushed ourselves to the limit. Even so, in order to finish the end game, China is open to any form of negotiations, as long as those negotiations respect the development mandate, build on the progress achieved and center around the multilateral process.

Meanwhile, in order to make these negotiations meaningful, major demandeurs have to come back to the earth and get realistic about their ambition. History has proven and will continue to prove that it is of vital importance for us all to preserve the multilateral trading system. Failing Doha will be a big blow, not only to the multilateral trading system, but also to the global economy.

China will remain constructive and work closely with you, Chairs of the Negotiating Groups and other Members to bring the Doha Round to a successful and balanced conclusion. If on the last day there is any member who is still standing by Doha, that will be China.