China blocks US request for WTO panel on film, music imports
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
GENEVA, Oct 23 (AFP): China yesterday blocked a US request for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to rule on a complaint that Beijing restricts the import of cultural goods such as books, music and DVDs.
The US asked that the complaint be investigated by the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body but China blocked the move, as it is allowed to do under the global trade body's rules.
However, should the US renew its request at the next DSB meeting on November 19, it will be automatically adopted.
The case focuses on China's legal structure that prevents US companies in China from importing books, music, videos and other protected goods on their own and requires them instead to work through state-approved or state-run companies.
Washington has said China agreed to free up these trading rights for non-Chinese companies when it joined the WTO.
The US also believes these restrictions encourage illegal piracy of cultural goods and other violations of intellectual property rights.
The US asked that the complaint be investigated by the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body but China blocked the move, as it is allowed to do under the global trade body's rules.
However, should the US renew its request at the next DSB meeting on November 19, it will be automatically adopted.
The case focuses on China's legal structure that prevents US companies in China from importing books, music, videos and other protected goods on their own and requires them instead to work through state-approved or state-run companies.
Washington has said China agreed to free up these trading rights for non-Chinese companies when it joined the WTO.
The US also believes these restrictions encourage illegal piracy of cultural goods and other violations of intellectual property rights.