Home / International / International -- News Tools: Save | Print | E-mail | Most Read
EU Refuses to Join US WTO Case Against China
Adjust font size:

The European Union has decided against joining the United States in pursuing a WTO action against China over piracy, the EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson revealed on Monday, preferring instead to opt for dialogue.

"At this time, the European Union should be an observer of the case rather than a party to it," Mandelson said at a luncheon party hosted by Guan Chengyuan, Chinese ambassador to the EU. "I, as you know, favor dialogue over WTO cases. Dialogue is my preference."

Last week, the US government filed two cases with the WTO against China over IPR disputes and accession details to China's publication market, a move which China has slammed as going against useful trade dispute resolution mechanisms.

The EU trade chief brought up the 2005 solution to a Sino-EU textiles row as how to put differences aside and move forward. At the time, Mandelson himself led the talks with China, which led to a compromise between the two powers, avoiding a potential trade war.
 
Mandelson did have words of wisdom for China. He saluted the government's moves to bolster IPR and lower piracy rates, but added that improvements could and should be made in terms of law enforcement and implementing bilateral agreements to alleviate EU investor concerns.

"I have come under some pressure to join the United States in this case ... it is possible that the events may force me to rethink this decision," Mandelson warned.

Chinese ambassador Guan Chengyuan agreed with Mandelson that dialogue remained preferable to legal action in solving disputes, outlining China's efforts once again.

"It is our consistent approach to solve problems through dialogue and consultation, which is beneficial to the promotion of bilateral economic and trade relations," Guan said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2007)

Tools: Save | Print | E-mail | Most Read

Related Stories
China Considers IPR Dialogue with US
Contain Protectionism
China Regrets US WTO Action over IPR Issue
EU Commission Vice President: China Is Opportunity for EU
Positive IPR Climate
China's IPR Protection Improving, More Efforts Needed: Gutierrez
IPR Protection in China Strengthened, EU Told
> Korean Nuclear Talks
> Middle East Peace Process
> Iran Nuclear Issue
> Reconstruction of Iraq
> 6th SCO Summit Meeting
Links
- China Development Gateway
- Foreign Ministry
- Network of East Asian Think-Tanks
- China-EU Association
- China-Africa Business Council
- China Foreign Affairs University
- University of International Relations
- Institute of World Economics & Politics
- Institute of Russian, East European & Central Asian Studies
- Institute of West Asian & African Studies
- Institute of Latin American Studies
- Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies
- Institute of Japanese Studies
SiteMap | About Us | RSS | Newsletter | Feedback
SEARCH THIS SITE
Copyright © China.org.cn. All Rights Reserved     E-mail: webmaster@china.org.cn Tel: 86-10-88828000 京ICP证 040089号