China slams ‘non-market economy country’ concept

China on Friday denied the concept of a “non-market economy country” and urged relevant members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to abide by WTO rules.

“The concept of a ‘non-market economy country’ does not exist in WTO rules,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily news briefing.

The response came after reports of the US formally telling the WTO that it opposed granting China's market economy status.

Geng Shuang said in accordance with Article 15 of the accession protocol signed when China joined the WTO in 2001, the surrogate country approach expired on Dec. 11, 2016. All WTO members are required to keep their promises and abide by international law, Geng added.

(CGTN)