Group 1 - China's application to rejoin GATT was submitted in 1986, marking the beginning of a 15-year negotiation process to join the WTO [1] - The multilateral negotiations officially started at the end of 1995, with China adopting a strategy of negotiating with Asian countries first before approaching Western nations [2] - The primary challenge for China was to gain the support of Western countries, particularly the United States, which was crucial for China's accession to the WTO [2][6] Group 2 - In 1998, China made concessions by proposing to lower tariffs, but Western nations continued to impose political barriers [6] - The WTO, with over 160 member countries covering more than 90% of global trade, represented a significant opportunity for China to access advanced technology and management practices, thereby enhancing its international influence [10] - The support from U.S. President Bill Clinton was pivotal in China's successful entry into the WTO, as he actively lobbied Congress to pass the Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) legislation [12] Group 3 - China's accession to the WTO in December 2001 marked the beginning of a period of rapid economic growth, significantly impacting U.S.-China relations [14] - Clinton's initial hardline stance towards China shifted as he recognized the economic benefits of engaging with China, leading to increased U.S. aid to China during his presidency [15]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of Trump's "reciprocal tariffs" on global trade, highlighting that while these tariffs may negatively impact the U.S. economy, they also present an opportunity for China to strengthen its relationships with other countries and potentially reshape global trade dynamics [1][3][4]. Group 1: Impact on Global Trade - Trump's tariffs, which include a 10% baseline tariff on all trade partners and higher rates for specific countries, have drawn criticism from U.S. allies, indicating a shift in international relations [3][5]. - The tariffs are expected to lead to increased trade among non-U.S. countries, potentially isolating the U.S. from the global economic system established post-World War II [3][5][6]. - Analysts suggest that the tariffs could encourage countries to reduce their dependence on the U.S. and foster a new world order where trade is more diversified [4][5][6]. Group 2: Reactions from China and Allies - China has expressed strong opposition to the tariffs and is coordinating with countries like Russia, Japan, and South Korea to respond effectively [5][6]. - The Chinese government is adopting a more strategic and cautious approach compared to its reaction during the first trade war in 2018, indicating a shift in its diplomatic strategy [4][5]. - U.S. allies, including Japan and the EU, have shown disappointment and are considering retaliatory measures, reflecting a significant change in the dynamics of U.S. alliances [3][4].