[20051104]RS20683_台湾加入WTO与中美经济关系.pdf

1 According to the WTO, Taiwan is the worlds 15th largest exporter and importer (2004 data).2 During the first eight months of 2005, U.S. exports and imports to and from Taiwan were upby 8.7% and 1.4%, respectively, over the same period in 2004.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20683Updated November 4, 2005Taiwans Accession to the WTO and Its Economic Relations with the United Statesand Chinaname redactedSpecialist in International Trade and FinanceForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryAfter several years of negotiations, Taiwan joined the World Trade Organization(WTO), the international organization that sets rules for most international trade, onJanuary 1, 2002. China fought to allow Taiwan to join the WTO only as a “separatecustoms territory” and only after China obtained membership (which it did in December2001). Trade and investment relations between China and Taiwan have boomed inrecent years; China has replaced the United States as Taiwans export market. However,political tensions between China and Taiwan remain high. In an effort to further boostU.S.-Taiwan economic ties (and to