U.S. trade dispute with China a mistake
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E-mail Xinhua, September 19, 2012
China's decision to complain to the WTO is a natural and reasonable defense tactic in the face of crafty legal tactics used by the U.S.
According to WTO rules, anti-dumping and countervailing duties can be applied to market economies, while "non-market economies" can be exempted from probes.
The United States has refused to recognize China's market economy status and ignored China's concrete steps to liberalize its economy.
The U.S. government has subjected Chinese manufacturers to a range of probes and enacted punitive duties without legal support. Recognizing the procedural loopholes, U.S. lawmakers broke routine earlier this year and passed the GPX bill to authorize the U.S. government to apply countervailing duties to "non-market economy" countries, making the bill retroactive to Nov. 20, 2006.
This unconventional move puts Chinese businesses in an uncertain legal environment and violates WTO rules on transparency and procedural justice.
It also underscores the country's utilitarianism and craftiness in dealing with trade disputes and is consistent with its image as a self-righteous and discretionary judge.
While the U.S. government spares no effort to swiftly adapt laws to its own needs, China must safeguard its interests within the framework of the WTO.
