China in the WTO: a quarter-century of transformations in the global trading system

R-Economy. 2026. Vol. 12. No. 1. P. 109–125.

Бирюкова О. В., Kupalov I., Чжан В.

Relevance. Twenty-five years after China’s accession to the WTO, the multilat eral trading system faces unprecedented challenges, including institutional pa ralysis, geopolitical fragmentation, and rising protectionism. Against this back drop, China’s trajectory offers a critical case study of how a major non-Western economy can simultaneously integrate into, adapt to, and reshape global trade governance. Yet existing literature often overlooks the systemic implications of China’s “socialist market economy” model within the WTO framework, par ticularly the interplay between national sovereignty, state-led industrial policy, and commitments. Reassessing China’s experience is thus essential not only for understanding the past evolution of global trade but also for envisioning its fu ture architecture.

Research Objective. This study examines the multifaceted impact of China’s WTO membership over the past 25 years, analyzing its trade growth, structur al adjustments, and regulatory adaptations.

Data and Methods. The study is based on archival documents about China’s accession, and draws on empirical evidence from WTO, UN Comtrade, and OECD datasets. Quantitative analyses are employed to track trends in trade vol ume, partner diversification, and tariff reductions. A comparative analysis high lights differences between goods and services sectors.

Results. China has emerged as the world’s leading exporter and second-larg est importer, achieving robust growth in trade value and market share. Tariff re ductions have facilitated industrial upgrading and integration into global value chains. Structural shifts include a move from labor-intensive to high-tech ex ports, supported by strategic government policies. Liberalization in the service sector has proceeded at a slower pace than in manufacturing, though recent measures signal a renewed focus.

Conclusion. China’s journey in the WTO demonstrates its capacity for adapt ability and leadership, as it has effectively balanced its rule-based commitments with sovereign interests. Future developments will be shaped by both national priorities and continued collaboration with global partners.

Ключевые слова: China, liberalization, WTO, GATT, trade, services, tariffs, commitments

ПУБЛИКАЦИЯ ПОДГОТОВЛЕНА ПО РЕЗУЛЬТАТАМ ПРОЕКТА: Анализ и оценка индекса деловой репутации субъектов предпринимательской деятельности в государствах-участниках БРИКС (2027)