    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [November 11, 2001]
    [Pages 1387-1388]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    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

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    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.

    Note: The related memorandums of November 9 are listed in Appendix D at
    the end of this volume.