China joins the WTO
December 11, 2001
After fifteen years of negotiation, China formally entered the World Trade Organization, accepting tariff cuts and market openings in exchange for permanent normal trade relations with everyone. Western politicians predicted convergence and liberalization. They got the largest manufacturing economy in human history instead, and a decisive transfer of industrial gravity east.
In context
Also in 2001 (5 other events on record)
- September 11 attacks · North America · War
- War in Afghanistan begins · Central Asia · War
- Wikipedia launches · North America · Technology
- Apple unveils the iPod · North America · Technology
- Nepal royal massacre · South Asia · Politics
Before and after in East Asia
Before and after in Politics
Era
Contemporary (2001–2026), one of 196 events from that era on Saeculum.