China’s accession to the WTO: Challenges ahead

Abstract

China’s accession to the WTO has broad implications for China, its neighbours and the rest of the world. China confirms thereby the irreversible character of economic reforms launched in 1978 and the willingness to pursue the transition from a planned to a market economy. This paper reviews first briefly the major aspects of China’s accession to the WTO, presents then some of the key negotiating results in their own context and addresses finally China’s implementation of WTO obligations during its first year. The conclusions look ahead toward China’s further integration in the world economy and need for sweeping domestic reforms.