China in the WTO: Implications for international trade and policy making in agriculture

China's participation in the WTO as a member will have important implications for international trade and policy making in agriculture. The systems friction literature, game theory, and trade intensity analysis help to understand where and how China may have influence. China's membership increases systems friction in the WTO because of its size and the nature of its political, legal and economic systems. However, it is also likely to contribute to more inclusive decision-making. Game theory suggests that China's membership will increase plurality of power among major players, making collusion and capture of rule-making and dispute settlement less likely. Via more inclusive multilateral processes and adherence to the principles of non-discrimination and reciprocity, efficiency and dynamism is likely to improve both in China and elsewhere.