China & the WTO

Sustained economic growth and social stability are the key drivers of Chinese policy since 1978. China''s economic reforms have gradually opened up its economy to both international trade and foreign direct investment and allowed the emergence of a non- public sector alongside the public sector. Ongoing reforms have been given added impetus by China''s membership of the WTO in 2001. However, it is also evident that over the years, while Chinese government has been trying to use the power of the market to spur economic growth and allocate resources efficiently, it is also cautious to retain ultimate control over the over-all directions of the market so that their key policies can be implemented. This book is an attempt to provide insight into the changes that have been taking place in China right before our eyes during the last three decades in general and the last decade in particular. This text also portrays the sense of momentum, complexity, and historical context that underpins China''s contemporary ascendance as a global economic and political force since joining the WTO in 2001.