China in the WTO: a quarter-century of transformations in the global trading system

Olga V. Biryukova, Igor V. Kupalov, Wenrui Zhang

Abstract


Relevance.  Twenty-five years after China’s accession to the WTO, the multilateral trading system faces unprecedented challenges, including institutional paralysis, geopolitical fragmentation, and rising protectionism. Against this backdrop, China’s trajectory offers a critical case study of how a major non-Western economy can simultaneously integrate into, adapt to, and reshape global trade governance. Yet existing literature often overlooks the systemic implications of China’s “socialist market economy” model within the WTO framework, particularly the interplay between national sovereignty, state-led industrial policy, and commitments. Reassessing China’s experience is thus essential not only for understanding the past evolution of global trade but also for envisioning its future architecture.

Research Objective. This study examines the multifaceted impact of China’s WTO membership over the past 25 years, analyzing its trade growth, structural adjustments, and regulatory adaptations.

Data and Method. The study is based on archival documents about China’s accession, and draws on empirical evidence from WTO, UN Comtrade, and OECD datasets. Quantitative analyses are employed to track trends in trade volume, partner diversification, and tariff reductions. A comparative analysis highlights differences between goods and services sectors.

Results. China has emerged as the world’s leading exporter and second-largest importer, achieving robust growth in trade value and market share. Tariff reductions have facilitated industrial upgrading and integration into global value chains. Structural shifts include a move from labor-intensive to high-tech exports, supported by strategic government policies. Liberalization in the service sector has proceeded at a slower pace than in manufacturing, though recent measures signal a renewed focus.

Conclusion. China’s journey in the WTO demonstrates its capacity for adaptability and leadership, as it has effectively balanced its rule-based commitments with sovereign interests. Future developments will be shaped by both national priorities and continued collaboration with global partners.


Keywords


China, GATT, WTO, trade, commitments, liberalization, tariffs, services

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.15826/recon.2026.12.1.007

Copyright (c) 2026 Olga V. Biryukova, Igor V. Kupalov, Wenrui Zhang

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Online ISSN 2412-0731