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Why did China face stricter conditions when it joined the World Trade Organization in 2001?
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World Trade Organization
Workers sewing clothing in a garment factory in Ho Chi Minh City in April, 2025.
When China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, it faced more restrictive accession conditions than other developing countries. These stricter terms were primarily driven by concerns among existing WTO members regarding the potential negative impact that a large, still-partially planned economy might have on the global free-trade system.1
Because of China's unique economic model, which transitioned from a centrally planned system toward market reforms, other members sought to ensure that its integration would not disrupt international trade standards. These negotiations were extensive, lasting several years before China was ultimately admitted.123