China’s Attitude to Multilateralism in International Economic Law and Governance : Challenges for the World Trading System

This paper argues that China's attitude to multilateral trade is unclear. Moreover, China assumes little responsibility to maintain international order in global economic governance. China poses a major challenge to the world economy by virtue of being a new global economic superpower. For the past decade, its position as a strong player in international trade has been remarkable. In 2010, China has become the world's second largest trader. Yet, China has been playing at best a passive role and at worst a disruptive role with respect to the global trading system. This poses challenges for the world trading system