MNI POLICY: 'National Security' Abused in Trade: WTO Official

By Archie Zhang

     BEIJING (MNI) - The citation of national security for trade-related issues

has been exploited and abused and the practice increases tensions and

protectionism, Alan Wolff, a Deputy Director-General of the World Trade

Organization, said on Wednesday. 

     While Wolff didn't specify the target of his comment, the administration of

Donald Trump had frequently used the term to restrict the business of Chinese

technology companies including Huawei Technologies. European governments have

also aired concerns of Huawei's dominance in 5G industry.

     "Trade-restrictive measures are employed without citing a right to do so

under existing international rules," Wolff said at roundtable organized by

Center for China and Globalization, a think-tank advising the government.

     The current multi-lateral trading system is under crisis from the rise of

populism in many countries, he said.

     "Worse, both governments and businesses ceased to invest in maintaining and

improving the multilateral trading system," he added. 

--MNI Beijing Bureau; +86 (10) 8532-5998; email: archie.zhang@marketnews.com