USA pushes China on farm subsidy discipline

22 May 1998

USA pushes China on farm subsidy discipline

THE US and China are trying to make progress towards Chinas application for World Trade Organisation membership prior to Bill Clintons visit next month.

Both sides are trying to accelerate the 11-year-old membership application but senior Chinese officials said many difficulties remain unresolved.

A US priority is to open up Chinese markets to foreign business particularly services areas such as insurance, accounting and distribution. Washington is determined to persuade China to accept strict disciplines on farm subsidies. Agriculture is apparently the focus of talks between the two powers at present.

• Financial Times 22/05/98 page 7