US Mission Geneva

As one of the world’s major traders, and as one of the major beneficiaries of the global trading system, China has a responsibility to take on a leading role at the WTO and to help shape future trade liberalization – and the United States again urges China to do so.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Alberto, for not only that kind introduction but your and your colleagues’ leadership of this important institution. It’s a pleasure to be here at the Newseum. The Newseum is a monument to some of our most precious freedoms, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to discuss how those freedoms apply to the challenges of the 21st century.

The U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), established in 1983, is the main forum for addressing bilateral trade matters and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China. In 2003, the U.S. President and the Chinese Premier agreed to elevate the leadership of the JCCT, so it would be chaired by the [...]

The United States is disappointed that China has decided to pursue its request for a panel
in this matter. We understand that a panel will be established today. Nonetheless, we do not agree with
China’s assertions that the measure at issue amounts to a discriminatory or protectionist measure.

U.S. Statement to the March 20 meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body at WTO Headquarters in Geneva