FACTBOX-Key cases involving China at the WTO

BEIJING, Aug 13 (Reuters) - A World Trade Organisation
panel has ruled in favour of the United States in a complaint
over Chinese restrictions on the import and distribution of
books, films and CDs [ID:nLC19196].

China said it regretted the move and may appeal
[ID:nSP240395].

At first worried that WTO entry could jeopardise Chinese
jobs and businesses as foreign competitors crowded in, China is
now an enthusiastic participant. It has launched several
complaints to keep other markets open to the exports that drive
its economy.

Since it joined the global trade body in 2001, China has
brought five complaints to the WTO, and has been a defendant in
16 cases. Below are some current or recent cases at the WTO:

CASES IN WHICH CHINA IS COMPLAINANT

COOKED POULTRY

China launched a WTO case in April over U.S. legislation
that forbids the government from beginning the process of
certifying Chinese cooked poultry exporters.

The House of Representatives appropriations bill extends
the measure for a fourth year, while the Senate version orders
the government to begin the certifying process.

STEEL

China is challenging U.S. anti-dumping duties on steel
products. Beijing is also unhappy with a series of other U.S.
actions against its imports, including tyres [ID:nPEK46262].

STEEL FASTENERS

China in July requested consultations on anti-dumping
duties imposed by the European Union against imports of Chinese
steel screws and fasteners. The EU exempted two European joint
ventures that manufacture fasteners in China.

CASES IN WHICH CHINA IS DEFENDANT

RAW MATERIALS

The European Union and the United States argue that Chinese
export restrictions, including taxes and quotas, on several raw
materials unfairly elevates the international price, while
keeping input prices cheaper for manufacturers in China
[ID:nLN459032].

DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

On Wednesday, a WTO panel found in favour of the United
States, which claimed that Chinese curbs on importing and
distributing foreign publications and audiovisual products
violated its WTO commitments. China may appeal.

Both the U.S. and China claimed victory earlier this year,
when a WTO panel found that China had failed to protect and
enforce intellectual property rights, but rejected the U.S.
contention that China sets the threshold for prosecuting piracy
so high that it is ineffective. China noted the findings did
not challenge its right to censor content.

GRANTS, LOANS AND OTHER INCENTIVES

The United States, Mexico and Guatemala requested
consultations regarding certain grants, loans and other
incentives to encourage exports of Chinese brands.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

China in November settled on a complaint by the EU, the
United States and Canada against China's requirement that
foreign financial information suppliers, including Thomson
Reuters, must operate through an entity designated by the
Xinhua news agency, rather than dealing directly with
subscribers [ID:nLD207311].
(Reporting by Lucy Hornby; Editing by Ken Wills and Dean
Yates)