WTO member group vows to reform rules on subsidies, fight protectionism

The United States and China, which are locked in an escalating tariff war that is threatening the WTO's foundations, were not invited to the meeting to discuss reform ideas

Top trade officials from 12 countries and the European Union on Thursday vowed to reform World Trade Organization rules in the face of U.S. actions that threaten to paralyze the body and address some of Washington’s complaints about Chinese subsidies.

The officials, meeting in the Canadian capital Ottawa, said they shared a “common resolve for rapid and concerted action” to address challenges to the WTO.

“The current situation at the WTO is no longer sustainable. Our resolve for change must be matched with action,” the officials said in a communique issued after their day-long meeting ended.

The United States and China, which are