China News Service, Beijing, December 22 (Reporter Li Jingze) Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference on the 22nd.
A reporter asked: On December 21, the Hong Kong, China v. US country of origin marking measures WTO dispute expert panel issued a report, ruling that the country of origin marking measures implemented by the United States violated WTO rules.
What is the spokesperson's comment?
Mao Ning: China welcomes the fair ruling made by the WTO expert group.
The status of Hong Kong as a separate customs territory is approved by the Chinese government and confirmed by the "Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China". It is established by multilateral rules of the WTO, and is not independently conferred by a certain member.
The U.S. generalizes the concept of national security and politicizes trade issues, which violates WTO rules and does not serve its own interests.
We urge the US to respect the expert group's ruling, take concrete actions to correct wrong practices, safeguard the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and maintain the normal international trade order.
We will unswervingly implement the "one country, two systems" policy, resolutely oppose external forces interfering in Hong Kong affairs, resolutely support Hong Kong in maintaining its status as a separate customs territory, and firmly support Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial, shipping, and trade center.
(use up)