World Trade Organization Law

Author: Zang Li
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-10-01
Features: This book is based on the author's teaching experience, drawing upon extensive domestic and international research, consulting with many WTO experts worldwide, and continuously summarizing experience and lessons. It plays a significant role in cultivating specialized talents to master and apply WTO legal knowledge in safeguarding the economic interests of the nation and its citizens. The establishment of the WTO is a major event in the international economic and social landscape. It is not only the largest international trade and economic organization in history but also the most extensive, influential, and far-reaching international economic organization and multilateral trade and economic legal system. It has made the international economic order more stable and predictable. For the WTO, China's accession has further expanded its influence and also signifies a deeper integration of the international economy. For China, joining the WTO marks a new stage in its opening-up policy and a new era in its reform efforts. For its citizens, cultivating specialized talents to master and apply WTO legal knowledge in safeguarding national and individual economic interests is also an urgent task. In the fall of 1999, I offered a course titled "Law of the World Trade Organization" at the School of International Studies. During the course, I extensively consulted domestic and international materials, sought advice from many WTO experts worldwide, and continuously improved and scientificized the course materials based on the summary of experience and lessons. This book is formed on this basis. Considering that law students generally lack knowledge in international trade and economics, this book first introduces the basic knowledge of international trade theory, foreign trade policies, and international trade barriers in the introduction. From Chapter 4 to Chapter 8, we introduce and discuss the background and basic legal system of the WTO. It should be noted that, due to space limitations, this textbook, while referencing relevant cases during its compilation, does not provide in-depth discussions on these cases. Regarding domestic law, as China's foreign-related trade and economic laws are still under continuous revision and improvement, this book does not cover this aspect to avoid outdated information. Additionally, since there are many inaccuracies in the Chinese translations of WTO agreements, and the official legal texts of WTO agreements are only available in English, French, and Spanish, readers with any doubts are advised to refer to the original texts. Here, I extend my deepest gratitude to many friends and mentors who have helped me. First and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisor, Professor Rui Mu, and my associate supervisors, Professor Wu Zhipan and Professor Shao Jingchun. During my doctoral studies at Peking University, they provided me with extensive guidance, and even after my graduation, they continued to care for me and offer valuable advice. I would also like to thank Mr. John H. Jackson and Mr. Gary Clyde Hufbauer. Professor John H. Jackson is renowned as the "Father of GATT." During his visit to China in 2000, I consulted him extensively on the establishment of this course. In the fall of 2002, Mr. Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a senior researcher at the Institute for International Economics in the United States, former Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Policy, former Director of International Taxation at the U.S. Treasury, former Deputy Director of the Institute of International Law at Georgetown University Law Center, and a WTO expert, was invited to teach a WTO course at our institution. During his visit, we had in-depth discussions on the structure of this book, and I benefited greatly from his lectures. Additionally, he provided me with some new foreign information and materials. I would also like to thank my master's supervisor, Professor Yanbensheng, who inspired and guided me to focus on and research WTO issues. Lastly, I would like to thank WTO expert Dr. Wang Lei, Dr. Yang Guohua from the Legal Department of the Ministry of Commerce, Associate Professor Zhang Zhiyong from the Law School of Peking University, Associate Professor Wang Qianhua from the Law School of Shenzhen University, Dr. Yan Shusen from the Organization Department, Dr. Li Kun from the China International Cultural Exchange Center, Mr. Wang Changqing from CITIC Securities, Mr. Wang Xiaodong from Hongyuan Securities, Mr. Jia Yongxuan from Soron Consulting, and my friends Mr. Sun Jinyong, Mr. Liu Jianguang, and Ms. Ren Rong. They have all provided me with significant support. Additionally, Mr. Ding Xiaoxuan and Mr. Dong Yanbin from Legal Press have encouraged and supported the publication of this book and have put in a lot of hard work. I extend my gratitude to them as well. The views and positions expressed in this book, unless otherwise specified, reflect only the author's personal opinions and are the author's responsibility. At the same time, due to the author's limited expertise, flaws or errors are inevitable. I sincerely welcome readers to point them out for correction.