China - Publications and Audiovisual Products

Abstract

This short note summarises and analyses the World Trade Organization (‘WTO’) Panel Report in the United States complaint against China in China - Measures Affecting Trading Rights and Distribution Services for Certain Publications and Audiovisual Entertainment Products (circulated 12 August 2009). It discusses the implications of the case for the meaning of ‘trading rights’ in China’s Protocol of Accession to the WTO, the ‘public morals’ exception in Article XX(a) of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994,the interpretation of WTO Members’ commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services, and the distinction between goods and services in WTO law.

Keywords: China, WTO, audiovisuals, trading rights

JEL Classification: K20, K33