The Chinese government issued the document to clarify its position on China-US economic and commercial relations and other important issues.
Here are some key points to note from the Chinese white paper.Normal for China and the US to have differences and frictions: China and the US have different economic systems and stages of development, which might lead to differences and frictions in their economic and trade cooperation, the white paper read.
It added that it was important to respect each other’s interests and concerns and work together to develop appropriate solutions through communication and consultation.
Revocation of MFN status violates WTO rules: WTO regulations mandate unconditional MFN treatment for all members. In 2018, the US administration unilaterally imposed Section 301 tariffs on specific Chinese exports, citing domestic legislation. The country imposed strict unilateral measures against China, including restrictions on investment and technology exports. These actions contravene the WTO’s MFN principle. The WTO dispute settlement panel determined that Section 301 tariffs violated relevant regulations.
MFN status revocation destabilises global economic order: Over the past two decades, PNTR has stabilised China-US economic and trade relations, positively impacting both nations and global economic growth. Revocation of China’s PNTR designation will return China-US economic and commercial relations to the uncertainty and unpredictability that existed before China’s WTO entry in 2001. It may result in economic decoupling between these two countries. The suspension of MFN status will considerably harm China-US economic and commercial relations.
China opposes any unilateralist and protectionist acts: China has consistently rejected unilateral or protectionist actions that threaten the multilateral trading system. The US should recognise the potential harm of revoking China’s MFN status and collaborate with the majority of WTO members to maintain a fair and reasonable global economic and trade order.
US abuse of export controls destabilises global supply chain: The report also mentioned that the US has generalised its definition of national security in recent years, used excessive long-arm authority and politicised and weaponised export controls, placing sanctions on foreign industries and enterprises. These behaviours have disturbed normal economic and trade exchanges, as well as the stability of global supply chains.
The US suppresses other countries in the name of national security and human rights: The US has imposed export controls on China’s semiconductor and AI sectors under the pretext of national security, which has led to supply chain disruptions, fund shortages and loss of partners for Chinese enterprises. The US has also placed Chinese entities on the Uygur Forced Labour Prevention Act Entity List, claiming ‘forced labour’ issues, despite some companies having automated production or undergoing third-party audits with no evidence found. These restrictions have created a tiered structure within the realm of AI, favouring certain entities while limiting others, including China.
Use of Fentanyl as a pretext to impose sanctions is not helping to solve problems: The US in February and March 2025 increased duties on Chinese products exported to the US, citing fentanyl-related concerns and also threatened to cancel the duty-free de minimis treatment. The country announced the termination of duty-free de minimis treatment for covered goods from China on April 2, effective from May 2, 2025. These efforts are ineffective and will not address internal issues in the US. Instead, they will harm China-US economic and trade cooperation, disrupting global trade.
US accusations against China have no factual basis: The white paper further highlighted that China took proactive steps to control fentanyl-related substances, announcing full control on April 1, 2019, effective May 1, 2019, despite no evidence of widespread abuse in China. This move made China the first country to implement permanent control of these substances. The Ministry of Public Security launched special campaigns to combat the illegal manufacturing and trafficking of fentanyl-related substances and other new drugs for three years. Since then, China has not received any notification from the US about detecting fentanyl-related substances from China.
Reciprocal tariffs imposed will damage its own and others’ interests: The paper highlighted that the measure to impose reciprocal tariffs will not address domestic economic issues in the US but will ultimately backfire and make the country a victim of its actions.
Issues can be resolved through dialogue and mutual cooperation: The two countries can promote healthy, stable, and sustainable bilateral economic and trade relations by engaging in equal-footed dialogue and consultation, guided by mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation to address their respective concerns, the paper said.
