The World Trade Organization (WTO) on Wednesday described recent discussions on escalating trade tensions as "constructive", after mounting frictions were formally addressed by its top decision-making body, the General Council. The talks came as the global trading system faces unprecedented strain from tariff measures imposed by the United States, which have drawn sharp criticism from member nations, including China. At the first WTO General Council meeting of 2025 held in Geneva on Tuesday, Chinese ambassador to Li Chenggang expressed grave concerns about the adverse impact of unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States. He asked the U.S. to remove those tariffs and called on WTO members to safeguard the rule-based multilateral trade system, which resonated among participants. Representatives from more than 30 WTO members, including the European Union (EU), Canada, Brazil, and Russia also expressed concerns over U.S. unilateralism. WTO spokesperson Ismaila Dieng noted on Wednesday that members expressed deep concerns over potential trade disiputes, and urged restraint. "The reaction, the tone was pretty constructive. And as I said, the large majority of members really stressed the importance of upholding the WTO principle and rules. They collectively called for actions to preserve the stability and effectiveness of the system. And the director general (DG) said that the WTO was exactly created to manage times like this, and she called on members to use the WTO as a platform to find a solution," said Dieng. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala reminded members that the organization was established precisely to navigate such challenges, stressing the need for calm and openness amid rising uncertainties, according to the spokesman. "The key message is that in the current uncertainties, we must maintain a cool head and remain open to dialogue. That was the message from the DG. She noted that the changes we are witnessing are significant and they reinforce the importance of this institution as a forum for dialogue and cooperation," said Dieng. The meeting highlights growing global anxiety over U.S. trade policies, which have sparked fears of a full-blown trade war. The WTO's role as a mediator and rule-keeper is now more critical than ever as nations grapple with the economic fallout from protectionist measures. SHOTLIST: FILE: Geneva, Switzerland - June 21, 2022 1. Various of World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters, logo, sign; Geneva, Switzerland - Feb 19, 2025 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Ismaila Dieng, WTO spokesperson: "The reaction, the tone was pretty constructive. And as I said, the large majority of members really stressed the importance of upholding the WTO principle and rules. They collectively called for actions to preserve the stability and effectiveness of the system. And the director general (DG) said that the WTO was exactly created to manage times like this, and she called on members to use the WTO as a platform to find a solution."; Geneva, Switzerland - Feb 18, 2025 3. Sign showing "WTO OMC"; Geneva, Switzerland - Feb 19, 2025 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Ismaila Dieng, WTO spokesperson: "The key message is that in the current uncertainties, we must maintain a cool head and remain open to dialogue. That was the message from the DG. She noted that the changes we are witnessing are significant and they reinforce the importance of this institution as a forum for dialogue and cooperation."; Geneva, Switzerland - Feb 18, 2025 5. Meeting in progress; 6. Chinese ambassador to WTO Li Chenggang speaking at meeting; FILE: New York City, USA - Oct 2024 7. Various of port, Statue of Liberty; FILE: Los Angeles, USA - Nov 9, 2017 8. Various of containers, cranes at port; FILE: Washington D.C., USA - Oct 2024 9. Various of White House, Capitol building, U.S. national flag. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]