Changing Chinese employment relations since WTO accession

Purpose - This paper examines the challenges facing China's employment relations after its WTO accession and consequently, the implications for further reform. Design/methodology/approach - Theoretical questions are considered in relation to the debate on globalization vs the nation-state over political, economic and social issues. By examining the challenges from both internal and external sources, the paper investigates the impact on the employment relations system at both macro- and micro-levels. Findings - The major finding of this paper is that the current system of employment relations system in China is in the process of transformation towards a "hybrid" model combining authoritarianism and neo-corporatism. Originality/value - This paper provides the most recent analysis on the impact of WTO accession on the changing pattern of employment relations in China. It helps people who are interested in tr-ansitional economy in general and in China in particular to have a better understanding about the transformation of employment relations system under the influence of different forces.