The European Union has decided against joining the United States
in pursuing a WTO action against China over piracy, the EU Trade
Commissioner Peter Mandelson revealed on Monday, preferring instead
to opt for dialogue.
"At this time, the European Union should be an observer of the
case rather than a party to it," Mandelson said at a luncheon party
hosted by Guan Chengyuan, Chinese ambassador to the EU. "I, as you
know, favor dialogue over WTO cases. Dialogue is my
preference."
Last week, the US government filed two cases with the WTO
against China over IPR disputes and accession details to China's
publication market, a move which China has slammed as going against
useful trade dispute resolution mechanisms.
The EU trade chief brought up the 2005 solution to a Sino-EU
textiles row as how to put differences aside and move forward. At
the time, Mandelson himself led the talks with China, which led to
a compromise between the two powers, avoiding a potential trade
war.
?
Mandelson did have words of wisdom for China. He saluted the
government's moves to bolster IPR and lower piracy rates, but added
that improvements could and should be made in terms of law
enforcement and implementing bilateral agreements to alleviate EU
investor concerns.
"I have come under some pressure to join the United States in
this case ... it is possible that the events may force me to
rethink this decision," Mandelson warned.
Chinese ambassador Guan Chengyuan agreed with Mandelson that
dialogue remained preferable to legal action in solving disputes,
outlining China's efforts once again.
"It is our consistent approach to solve problems through
dialogue and consultation, which is beneficial to the promotion of
bilateral economic and trade relations," Guan said.
(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2007)
