China's chief trade negotiator Long Yongtu said on Wednesday that the festering trade dispute between Beijing and Tokyo could be resolved, but suggested it might have to wait until China joined the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Japan in April slapped import curbs on shiitake mushrooms, spring onions and rushes for tatami mats from China. Beijing struck back in June, imposing punitive tariffs on Japanese-made cars, mobile phones and air conditioners.
"I think we can resolve this issue because China will become a WTO member and we can find a solution within the framework of the WTO," said Long.
China aims to join the WTO this year, and trade officials expect its accession by early 2002 at the latest.
Long added that China and Japan would hold talks on the trade row when it was convenient, but gave no time.
(Chinadaily.com.cn 08/23/2001)
