October 22, 2007

China blocked a US request for the World Trade Organisation

China blocked a US request for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to rule on a complaint that Beijing restricts the import of cultural goods such as books, music and DVDs. The US asked that the complaint be investigated by the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body but China blocked the move, as it is allowed to do under the global trade body's rules. However, should the US renew its request at the next DSB meeting on November 19, it will be automatically adopted. The case focuses on China's legal structure that prevents US companies in China from importing books, music, videos and other protected goods on their own and requires them instead to work through state-approved or state-run companies.

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