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?
Participants
Professor Henry Gao, Singapore Management University; Member, Advisory Board, WTO Chairs Programme, World Trade Organization Secretariat (2009-present)
Professor Jennifer Hillman, Senior Fellow for Trade and International Political Economy, Council on Foreign Relations; Member, World Trade Organization Appellate Body (2007-11)
Professor Zhao Hong, Professor in International Law, Peking University; Chairperson, Member, WTO Appellate Body (2016-20)
Chair: Marianne Schneider-Petsinger, Senior Research Fellow, US and the Americas Programme, Chatham House
