File photo taken on April 4, 2018 shows the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo: Xinhua)

Together with other World Trade Organization (WTO) members, China will push for the return of normal operation of the WTO appellate body, aiming to safeguard free trade and a rule-based multilateral trading system, spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday. 

As a result of a certain member of the body blocking new appointments to the WTO's seven-member appellate panel, all of the members at the WTO appeals body have now left, resulting in a halt of adjudications on trade disputes, the spokesperson noted. 

"It is a big blow to the world's multilateral trading system," the official added. 

Emphasizing its resolution to safeguard free trade and multilateralism, China, together with other 119 WTO members, proposed to immediately commence the selection of new Appellate Body members. 

"Together with other WTO members, China will push for the return of normal operation of the Appellate Body, safeguarding the WTO's core values and basic principle of openness, inclusiveness and non-discrimination, upholding a free trade and rule-based multilateral trading system," the ministry said.

Global Times