[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 46 (Monday, November 19, 2001)]
[Page 1648]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Ministerial Decision To Admit the People's Republic of 
China and Taiwan Into the World Trade Organization

November 11, 2001

    I welcome the unanimous decisions made this week by trade ministers 
meeting in Doha, Qatar, to admit the People's Republic of China and 
Taiwan into the World Trade Organization (WTO). I believe that the entry 
of China and Taiwan into the WTO will strengthen the global trading 
system and expand world economic growth.
    China, with more than 1.2 billion people and a one trillion dollar 
annual gross domestic product, is one of the fastest growing economies 
in the world. Taiwan is the world's 16th largest economy. The decision 
in Doha--reached following many years of negotiations--marks a formal 
agreement by the 142 members of the WTO on the steps that China and 
Taiwan must take to open their markets as WTO members. Taking these 
steps will introduce greater competition into both economies and mean 
that both follow the same trade rules as the United States and other 
trading partners. This, in turn, will generate greater trade and 
investment that will bring benefits to businesses, consumers, and 
workers in all of our economies.
    I am confident that China's entry into the WTO will bring other 
benefits to China beyond the expected economic benefits. WTO membership, 
for example, will require China to strengthen the rule of law and 
introduce certain civil reforms, such as the publication of rules. In 
the long run, an open, rules-based Chinese economy will be an important 
underpinning for Chinese democratic reforms.
    China and Taiwan now face the challenge of implementing their WTO 
commitments. The United States stands ready to work constructively with 
both economies to assist them in meeting the challenges of 
implementation. We also look forward to the great benefits we know that 
greater trade will bring to all our peoples.