China defends WTO’s most-favoured nation principle after US, EU challenge rule

China has defended the World Trade Organization’s non-discrimination principle after the United States and the European Union recently proposed reforms that could weaken it – though analysts say the rule would likely remain despite deepening divisions within the global trading system. Beijing called for “most-favoured nation treatment” to remain the “bedrock” of the WTO, in a new position paper on reforming the international body. The rule mandates that any trade advantage granted to one country...

By Xinyi Wu

China overtakes US to become Germany's top trading partner

China replaces US as Germany's top trading partner, reclaiming a position it held from 2016 to 2023. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to visit China next week.