China WTO vs. US WTO

Attribute	China WTO	US WTO
Year of accession	2001	1995
Population	1.4 billion	331 million
GDP	$14.3 trillion	$21.4 trillion
Trade volume	$4.6 trillion	$5.5 trillion
Trade surplus/deficit	Surplus	Deficit

Introduction

China and the United States are two of the most influential members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Both countries have played significant roles in shaping the global trade landscape. In this article, we will compare the attributes of China's WTO membership with that of the United States, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Membership Duration

China became a member of the WTO on December 11, 2001, after 15 years of negotiations. The United States, on the other hand, has been a member since the organization's inception on January 1, 1995. This difference in membership duration has implications for the level of experience and influence each country has within the WTO.

Trade Volume

China has rapidly become one of the world's largest trading nations since joining the WTO. Its trade volume has grown significantly over the years, making it a major player in global trade. The United States, on the other hand, has long been a dominant force in international trade, with a large and diverse economy that drives substantial trade volumes.

Market Access

One of the key principles of the WTO is to promote market access for goods and services. Both China and the United States have made commitments to open their markets to foreign competition. However, there have been concerns about the level of market access in China, with accusations of trade barriers and protectionist policies. The United States, on the other hand, has faced criticism for its own trade barriers, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.

Compliance with WTO Rules

Both China and the United States are expected to comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the WTO. However, there have been instances where both countries have been accused of violating these rules. China has faced criticism for its intellectual property practices and state subsidies, while the United States has been accused of imposing unfair trade tariffs and sanctions. Both countries have engaged in disputes within the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism to address these issues.

Role in WTO Decision-Making

As two of the largest economies in the world, China and the United States hold significant influence within the WTO. Both countries play a key role in shaping the organization's policies and decisions. However, there have been instances where their interests have clashed, leading to disagreements and disputes. Despite these differences, both countries continue to be important players in the WTO's decision-making processes.

Support for Multilateralism

The WTO is a multilateral organization that promotes free and fair trade among its members. Both China and the United States have expressed support for multilateralism and the rules-based trading system. However, there have been concerns about the growing trend of unilateralism and protectionism in global trade. Both countries have been criticized for their actions that undermine the principles of multilateralism, such as imposing trade tariffs and sanctions outside of the WTO framework.

Conclusion

In conclusion, China and the United States are key players in the World Trade Organization, each bringing their own unique attributes and challenges to the table. While both countries have made significant contributions to the global trading system, there are areas where improvements can be made in terms of market access, compliance with WTO rules, and support for multilateralism. By working together and addressing these issues, China and the United States can continue to play a positive role in shaping the future of international trade.