Financial Times: China Appeals on WTO Films Ruling
Washington, D.C., partner Elliot Feldman, leader of Baker Hostetler's international trade practice, was quoted in the September 23, 2009, Financial Times article, "Financial Times: China Appeals on WTO Films Ruling."
According to the article, China has filed a last-minute appeal against a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that it unfairly restricts the sale of U.S. films, music and books, reviving an argument that its restrictions were needed to protect public morals and Chinese culture. The appeal comes at a time of heightened trade tension between the United States and China on the eve of the Group of 20 summit in Pittsburgh later this week, when leaders are due to reaffirm their commitment to avoid protectionism and conclude the long-delayed Doha round of global trade talks, according to the article.
Feldman said China may end up disappointed and frustrated with the WTO. "The Chinese are determined to exercise their WTO rights now, and to be full-blown international partners, [but] it isn't going to do them a whole lot of good. It takes too long and the United States has endless ways of blocking things."
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