Question

In which year, China joined the WTO?

• A. 1998
• B. 1999
• C. 2000
• D. 2001

Hint:

Associate China’s WTO entry (2001) with the acceleration of Globalization. It shifted the global balance of economic power from the West toward the East.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the international body that regulates global trade. China's accession to the WTO was a landmark event in contemporary international political economy, marking its full integration into the global capitalist system.

Step 1: The Long Road to Accession.
China's journey to join the WTO took over 15 years of negotiations. Initially, China was an original member of the GATT (the predecessor to the WTO) but withdrew after the 1949 revolution. The "reform and opening up" period under Deng Xiaoping sparked the renewed desire to join the global trade body.

Step 2: The Date of Entry.
China officially became the 143rd member of the WTO on December 11, 2001. This followed the signing of the accession protocol at the Doha Ministerial Conference.

Step 3: Impact on Global Politics.
Joining the WTO required China to significantly lower tariffs, open up its service sectors, and implement intellectual property protections. In International Relations, this event is often cited as the catalyst for China's "economic miracle" and its rise as the "factory of the world."