On November 15th, 2024, WTO Chair at UIBE successfully hosted a seminar titled "WTO and Sino-US Economic and Trade Relations after Trump's Re-election". Near 30 government officials and scholars attended the seminar and heatedly exchanged opinions on this theme, including former Minister of Commerce Mr. Chen Deming, former Deputy Minister of Commerce and former Deputy Director-General of the WTO Mr. Yi Xiaozhi, former President of the WTO Appellate Body Ms. Zhang Yuejiao, representatives from the Research Office of the State Council, the WTO Department of the Ministry of Commerce, the Policy Research Office of the Ministry of Commerce, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and scholars from Peking University, Tsinghua University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, State Council’s Development Research Center, and UIBE. The seminar was skillfully moderated by Prof. Tu Xinquan, the WTO Chairholder at UIBE.

At the beginning of the seminar, the President of UIBE, Prof. Zhao Zhongxiu , delivered an opening speech, emphasized the timeliness and importance of convening this seminar during the pivotal juncture when the Trump administration was about to take full power, and warmly welcomed the esteemed experts to the university. He encouraged an open dialogue and the sharing of ideas with the aim of exploring and proposing targeted and forward-looking policy recommendations.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Yi Xiaozhi, former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce and former Deputy Director-General of the WTO pointed out that in the face of turbulent international trade landscape, China should prioritize strengthening domestic economic development as its foundation. Additionally, China should showcase the leadership in the multilateral trading system and constructively work with other countries in exploring and expanding common interests.

Subsequently, the seminar transitioned into a lively free discussion session. Experts and scholars such as Ms. Zhang Yuejiao, former President of the WTO Appellate Body; Mr. Hong Xiaodong, former Director of the Ministry of Commerce's Department of World Trade; and Mr. Jiang Shan, former Director of the Ministry of Commerce's Department of American and Oceania, actively participated in the discussion. They shared their insights on potential trade measures Trump might take upon his return, the potential impact of these measures on the multilateral trading system and Sino-US economic and trade relations, and China's stance and coping strategies. The discussion was heated and engaging.

At the end, Mr. Chen Deming, former Minister of Commerce, provided a comprehensive summary and commented on the seminar. He analyzed the changes in the global trade pattern and the future direction of Sino-US economic and trade relations after the Trump administration’s return to power. Ultimately, the seminar concluded successfully with the wide cognition from all government officials and scholars presented.