Law@CBS research seminar – 4 March, 12:00

The World Trade Organization is no longer just seen with intergovernmental lenses. Rule of law is part of the vocabulary of the WTO and is developed by the Appellate Body. However, the concept of rule of law is a hazy concept with several normative challenges and it is often associated with Western ways of thinking. This article addresses how China approaches a rule of law at WTO level as rule of law in a Chinese context has specific Chinese traits which may not fit into a WTO rule of law and China has a strong intergovernmental approach to international law.

The article claims that China recognizes a rule of law at WTO level and accepts the methodological approach by the Appellate Body. However, a WTO rule of law has not been challenged with human rights issues and it needs further refinement but so far it has served Chinese interests which might be a reason behind the Chinese approach.

Henrik Andersen is an Associate Professor at the Law Department, CBS. His research interests are in the area of WTO law and international economic law.

Registration: Trine Buch, tb.jur@cbs.dk

Organizer: Georg Ringe, Law Department