China blocked on Monday a request by the United States to
establish a World Trade Organization (WTO) expert panel to
investigate their dispute?regarding Chinese imports of movies,
DVDs, music and certain publications.
The United States had complained to the WTO Dispute Settlement
Body (DSB) that some of China's certain measures constituted
restrictions to the imports of publications and audiovisual
entertainment products.
The panel request was made following formal consultations
between the two countries in June and July, which the United States
said did not sufficiently address its concerns.
At a DSB meeting on Monday, China expressed its regret for the
US request for a WTO panel on the case.
"We respect the rights of the United States ... However, we feel
regret that it?has requested a panel to be?established
concerning the present case," the Chinese delegation said in a
statement.
According to Chinese trade officials, China has been sincerely
and faithfully fulfilling its WTO commitments since it joined the
body in 2001, including those commitments pertinent to this
case.
"Currently, China annually imports and distributes dozens of
revenue-sharing films as committed, half a million publications of
different types and countless audiovisual products of various
sources," the statement said.
"We feel that good access into China's marketplace for such
products has already been provided," the statement added.
According to WTO regulations, the request for an expert
panel?for a specific dispute can be blocked only once. If the
request is made for a second time, a panel will automatically be
set up.
(Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2007)
