EU official: Plurilateral subsidy reform deal ‘makes no sense’ without China

A broad agreement on competitive neutrality – including new subsidy disciplines – “makes no sense” without China on board, a top European trade official said on Wednesday, adding that despite the high likelihood that Beijing would not support such reform there’s “no reason” those pushing for it, like the U.S. and the European Union, should not propose ideas. Improving subsidy disciplines at the World Trade Organization is a priority for the U.S. in particular; Washington has for years criticized the...