China joined the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in December 2001. Photo: AP
China joined the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in December 2001. Photo: AP

Trade war: phase one deal raises hopes China will rekindle economic reforms 18 years after joining WTO

  • A phase one trade deal with the US could invite necessary external pressure for Beijing to speed up opening and liberalisation, analysts say
  • The deal announced last week has prompted comparison with goals China was required to meet in order to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2001