(Yicai) March 24 -- China's recent guidelines aimed at strengthening trade policy compliance with World Trade Organization rules will help the Chinese auto industry better cope with increasing global tariff frictions and further promote global development, according to an expert.

The new document's core significance is to emphasize that China's trade policies align with WTO rules while ensuring compliance with its obligations, promoting trade partners to adhere to the rules, and upholding the fairness and justice of the multilateral trading system, Sun Xiaohong, secretary general of automotive internationalization professional committee of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, told Yicai.

The guide is of positive significance for the Chinese auto industry's expansion into overseas markets, Sun said. Some Western countries have expressed concerns over China's rapid development and technological leadership in the new energy vehicles field, taking some measures to curb auto exports that do not comply with WTO rules, he noted, pointing out the import tariffs on Chinese EVs imposed by the US and European Union last year.

Against this backdrop, China needs to engage in more talks and negotiations with Western nations at the regulatory level, according to Sun. Even if they advocate for reforms to WTO rules, China should openly participate in the discussions and emphasize that any modifications to the regulations should align with the wishes of most members, he added.

The State Council, China's cabinet, issued the guidelines on further strengthening trade policy compliance on March 21. It required its and local government departments at or above the county level to conduct compliance assessments when formulating trade-related regulations and policies, ensuring that they align with WTO rules and the country's commitments upon joining the organization.

The requirements cover a broad scope, especially for the auto industry, with vehicles being the category with the most extended supply and value chains, involving goods, services, intellectual property, investment, and various other areas, Sun pointed out.

According to the document, China will actively respond to the concerns of foreign parties. The Ministry of Commerce will be responsible for receiving comments from other WTO members and assisting policy-making departments in handling the relevant follow-up work while also carrying out external compliance assessments, raising concerns about violations by other WTO members, and actively engaging in consultations and negotiations to protect the rights and interests of firms.

"Compliance is not only our obligation but also a right granted to us by the WTO," Sun stressed. "Only when all parties adhere to the rules can we build a harmonious and fair international trade environment."

Editors: Dou Shicong, Martin Kadiev