China's Status and Influence in the Multilateral Trade System

Abstract

In December 2001, China joined the WTO and became the 143rd full member. In the last decade, China's international trade developed rapidly and it has consequently become the largest commodity exporter and the second largest importer in the world. Undoubtedly, China's international status has improved significantly. During this period, the pattern of international economy and trade are also undergoing profound changes. The changes of the balance of power between developing and developed countries, new forms of international trade barriers, a large number of bilateral free trade zones as well as some developed countries' rethinking of globalization are all consequences of the rapid rise of China and its interactions with the outside world. Simultaneously, all this contributes to the uncertainty of the future of China's foreign trade. China's position and influence in the WTO depend not only on China's own development, but also its interrelationship with other countries. So far, China has taken safeguarding the interests of the core areas as a priority in the Doha Round of negotiations, and this negotiation strategy proved to be practical and effective. Since 2008, China has gradually taken a key role in decision-making in Doha Round negotiations, but its composition of influence is unbalanced. Huge market and the scale of imports is still the crucial source of China's influence, and the gap between China and other leading powers is mainly reflected in the soft power, such as agenda-setting capacity in multilateral negotiations, the dispute-solving skills and the power of guiding the public voice and so on. Whether China can exert the power of considerable leadership compatible with its position as a leading trader depends not only on China's political will, but also on its design of path to the multilateral trading system, professional training and the speed with which it enhances its soft power. In December 2001, after 15 years of hard negotiations, China became a full member of the WTO, its 143rd. Over the past decade, China seized opportunities for development and basically realized initial strategic goals, which built the foundation of long-term development. China obtained permanent MFN treatment by the U.S., relative fair and stable international trading environment and the right to participate in the WTO dispute settlement and rules-making. Above all, the accession to WTO helped dramatically promote domestic reform and open and stimulate the economy. Then how to see the function and influence of China in this multilateral trade system? Firstly, we should analyze the current situation of China's trade and its international background, which will help to understand China's choice of standpoint in the WTO negotiations and policy development's path.