China is committed to safeguarding an open, inclusive, transparent and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has told Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

During a video call, the pair exchanged views on issues such as responding to the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" imposed by the United States, maintaining the multilateral trading system, and giving play to the role of the WTO, according to a statement released by the Commerce Ministry on Saturday.

Wang said the fabrication of "reciprocal tariffs" out of thin air by the United States is a typical practice of unilateral bullying and these tariffs will inflict serious harm on developing countries, especially the least developed nations, and could even trigger humanitarian crises.

He called on WTO members to unite and counter unilateralism, protectionism, and bullying practices through openness, cooperation, and multilateralism.

Okonjo-Iweala said that escalating trade tensions have posed serious challenges to global trade and economic growth prospects and WTO members should work together to defend an open, rules-based multilateral trading system, resolving differences through dialogue and cooperation under the WTO framework. (Xinhua)