The Process of China’s Accession to the World Trade Organization: Obstacles and Implications

Abstract

The process of China’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) is considered to be one of the toughest challenges faced by any country. Denied the status of a developing economy because of pressure from the US, the European Union and Japan, it has had to make commitments to cut tariffs and open its markets. China has been slow in abiding by its commitment with considerations of national sovereignty and security taking precedence over the issue of allowing greater access to the Chinese market and greater trade liberalization. Thus, the country’s sovereignty and security were considered more important than consumer satisfaction, development of telecommunications network, innovation and, to a large extent, its services sector.