Features & Analyses

China's WTO accession will be a historic event with profound influence on both the international community and China itself, and particularly regarding international trade issues and disputes.

Traditionally, foreign investment enterprises (FIEs) could only raise capital by means of bank loans and private equity placements. This restrictive capital-raising situation for foreign investment enterprises has now come to an end.

As part of its terms of entry to the World Trade Organization, China has agreed to open up its insurance market significantly to foreign insurance services providers.

Enhancing trademark protection is another crucial aspect of China's commitment to meet WTO-imposed requirements. China's newly revised trademark law offers the prospect for greater intellectual property protection in future.

As a WTO member, China will be required to provide "national treatment"1 to foreign investors in various service industries. This includes the telecommunications sector.

China's recently-amended Copyright Law aims to bring China's intellectual property rights protection more into line with international conventions as the country faces renewed scrutiny as a WTO member.

With China's WTO accession and the corresponding relaxation of restrictions on distribution services, foreign investors will have a greater opportunity to expand their businesses.

China's government has pledged to abide by the World Trade Organization's requirements. Here's an introduction to the tasks and commitments China faces.

Finding successful methods to resolve trade disagreements will be more important than ever once China joins the WTO. With an anticipated upsurge in trade disputes involving China, what does the WTO offer for resolution?