The accession of China to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 was a landmark event with wide-ranging ramifications for China, the US, and the global trade system.
Twenty years later, the rules-based multilateral trade regime faces many challenges. Meaningful WTO reform can only be achieved with the US and China on board.
- What role have China and the US played in where the WTO’s rule-making and dispute-settlement functions are today?
- What are the main points of contention between Beijing and Washington, such as China’s alleged trade distortions and its status as a developing country in the WTO?
- How can China, the US and other WTO members best address these issues and revitalise the multilateral trading system?
- In light of the different economic models, is the future of the WTO about convergence or coexistence?
