How much will taxpayers shoulder?

[Zenda]

Here's the WTO trade report from 2008 on China. Try the section from page 30 to 33 of the 'economic environment' section.

I have trouble finding negative remarks on Chinese trade policy in there. What exactly are you referring to?

I did find this, on page 32:

"China's overall trade policy objective has remained largely unchanged since its previous Trade Policy Review: to accelerate its opening to the outside world (with a view to introducing foreign technology and know-how), develop foreign trade, and promote sound economic development. China wishes to achieve this objective by further strengthening the multilateral trading system as embodied in the WTO, and has been participating in the DDA negotiations. The authorities stress China's commitment to the DDA and its intention to make every effort toward reaching agreement in the negotiations."

And this, on page 33:

"At the same time, China has been intensifying its pursuit of bilateral/regional arrangements involving free-trade agreements. It is of the view that whereas the multilateral trading system is the main channel to promote trade liberalization, regional and bilateral trade arrangements serve as new platforms and complement the multilateral system; regional/bilateral trade arrangements interact with the multilateral trading system in a mutually beneficial way. The authorities consider that an FTA can provide an institutional guarantee to the development of bilateral/regional trade and economic relations and benefit businesses and consumers in the participating countries and economies, by helping expand trade, achieve market diversification, reduce consumer prices, and lower producer costs; and drive economic growth and create new job opportunities. It would appear that all countries and economies that have concluded bilateral/regional FTAs recognize China as a market economy."

Also, in 'Concluding remarks by the Chairperson', I find:

"This second Trade Policy Review of the People's Republic of China has provided an excellent opportunity to improve transparency, and thereby a better understanding of China's trade and related policies."

"Members complimented China on its strong attachment to the WTO and its support for the Doha Development Agenda. Many Members also expressed their appreciation of China's assistance to LDCs."

"Members commended China's continuing reforms, including trade liberalization, which had contributed to real economic growth of over 10% annually since its previous Review, resulting in rapidly rising per capita income and poverty reduction. Many Members noted that China's growth provided an impressive example of how a country can foster development."

"Members welcomed China's move towards adopting new competition and property rights legislation."

"Agricultural reform was commended by Members, although some were concerned about tariff and non-tariff barriers and the re-introduction of price controls on some agricultural products."

"On services, many Members noted that commitments undertaken by China were more extensive than those of most other developing countries."

What *isn't* within China's rights? It's a sovereign nation. They can do as they please, short of starting wars. There is no international body that gives them "rights", they just act however they want until someone stops them, like most countries.

How come China does not have the right to start wars, in your view? Other nations, like the USA and GB, don't stick to such restrictions. Wouldn't that be unfair? :whistling:

The question was whether what they were doing is *fair*, which is a very different measure.

You have the right on your own opinion regarding fairness, ofcourse, but the WTO and US Treasury Department seem to disagree. I suppose they also misunderstood everything? :glare: