Abuse of market dominance, relevant market and some patent-related abusive activities are analyzed in this study by looking at the EU and China's comparable competition experiences, in order to strengthen competition execution in developing countries. Regarding the relevant market structure, three types of markets are discussed, which include the product market, technology market and geographic market. The study finds that the EU’s approach is constitutional and precedent-centred, whereas the Chinese approach is policy-oriented and aggressive, with reference to market dominance and the relevant market. Three abusive behaviours that are related to patent exploitation are examined, which are Patent Thickets and Defensive Patenting, Tying and Bundling of Patents and Abuse of Standard Essential Patents (FRAND violations). Similar to EU nations like Germany and France, China's current IP-related legal system is based on civil law. It is observed that Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Article 17 of China's Anti-Monopoly Law deal with the prohibition regarding the abuse of dominant position. In accordance with the legal study of the EU's competition law and China's antimonopoly law, this paper makes detailed proposals for developing countries’ competition guidelines, antitrust enforcement, and competition law reforms.
The trade dispute between China and the US has brought new problems for international trade law, mainly regarding travel restrictions as a potential tool for the economy. Although trade disputes have usually focused on tariffs and barriers to market access, travel restrictions, such as restrictions on visa access or travel advisories, have emerged as an important form of economic diplomacy. This article discusses how travel restrictions create challenges for the current international laws, particularly the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), which covers areas like tourism, education, and business travel. The main objective of this research is to explore the application of national security exceptions under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) to travel restrictions. The study introduces the Proportional Security-Trade Integration Model (PSTIM) as a framework for balancing national security concerns with trade. Using case studies, the PSTIM assesses the legal and economic implications of US visa restrictions on Chinese students and China’s travel advisory restrictions. The results reveal the economic impacts, such as the US education sector is estimated to experience a $15 billion to $20 billion loss of revenue each year due to decreasing enrolment of Chinese students, and the tourism between the US and China has an estimated loss between $25 billion to $28 billion due to travel restrictions. The results further confirm the evidence of how travel restrictions fundamentally contradict the key principles of GATS, especially market access and non-discrimination. The research advocates for a restructuring of the WTO security exceptions to limit their misuse, which is currently becoming more prevalent, resulting in expanding the meaning of the original purpose of the exceptions. The research emphasizes the need for a balance between national security and trade. The research presents policy reforms such as a Security-Trade Advisory Committee established by the WTO specifically to be used for ensuring national security measures are balanced, transparent, and assessed based on evidence. This study contributes to academic scholarship and provides practical proposals for policymakers concerned about preserving a fair and rules-based international trading system.
The rise of digital trade has significantly transformed global commerce, enabling businesses to leverage digital technologies for enhanced efficiency, market access, and international competitiveness. In the Asia Pacific region, SMEs play a vital economic role but often face barriers such as limited resources, digital readiness gaps, and regulatory complexities. This study aims to explore the digital trade transformation of SMEs in the Asia Pacific region using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. This study uses the TOE framework to comprehensively analyze technological, organizational, and environmental factors shaping SMEs' digital trade transformation. It effectively captures the interplay of internal capabilities and external conditions, offering insights aligned with Asia Pacific's diverse digital landscapes. A literature review was conducted, utilizing databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies published within the last decade addressing SMEs, digital trade, and the Asia Pacific region. Thematic coding and content analysis were employed to synthesize findings and categorize them within the TOE framework. The study revealed that technological advancements, organizational readiness, and supportive environmental factors are critical for SMEs’ digital trade success. However, disparities in regulatory environments and digital infrastructure across countries pose challenges. The alignment of SMEs' practices with WTO e-commerce agreements is vital for fostering global competitiveness. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of digital trade transformation for SMEs in the Asia Pacific region. Integrating the TOE framework with international trade rules, offers actionable insights for policymakers and businesses to enhance SME digital readiness and competitiveness.
This study explores the role of digital technology on the relationship between strategic orientation and international trade performance, focusing on construction enterprises in Guangdong Province under the WTO framework. While market orientation, innovation orientation, and learning orientation are key drivers of trade success, digital transformation significantly enhances their impact by streamlining operations, improving regulatory compliance, and optimizing supply chains. However, slow adoption of digital tools due to financial constraints, cybersecurity concerns, and inconsistent WTO digital trade policies pose challenges for construction firms. The research utilizes a Systematic Literature Review following PRISMA to integrate findings from twenty peer-reviewed investigations regarding digital transformation along with strategic orientation in the construction trade. This study integrates the theoretical underpinning of the resource-based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT) to explain how digital resources serve as strategic assets and dynamic enablers of trade performance. The systematic literature findings suggest that harmonized digital trade regulations and industry-wide digital adoption initiatives are necessary to improve global competitiveness. Future research should explore longitudinal studies and sector-specific digital policy frameworks to enhance the technological adaptability of construction enterprises in international trade.
The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) has created major changes to global service sector liberalization by including the sports service industry within its scope. The sports service industry refers to those responsible for the administration and delivery of a multiplicity of services concerning professional and amateur sport, including event handling, athlete preparation, dissemination, arena management, and overseas service within the entertainment and economic arena. Understanding the impact of GATS commitments on sports services is important as the sports industry plays a significant role in the global development of the economy, methods of trade liberalization, and cross-border services facilitation. Currently, scholars lack extensive research on how the sports service sector meets GATS commitments through WTO compliance and policy implementation procedures. The study of this research gap is pertinent to helping establish export policies for sports services that suit their unique attributes. The study brings to the fore new findings concerning the diverse implementation of GATS by WTO countries and the differences between the global policy expectations and the local regulations. The author seeks to eliminate this research gap through an examination of GATS regulations alongside sports services industries to study the domestic policy management and WTO compliance issues experienced by countries. A qualitative approach consisting of a systematic literature review (SLR) serves as the methodology to analyze academic and policy-oriented documents used for this study. The outcomes reveal that the minimal sports services sector liberalization within GATS principles and struggles between trade mandates versus local policy guidelines along with varying GATS commitment follow-up by WTO members. The results demonstrate the necessity for governments to develop specialized policies that integrate both worldwide market liberalization practices and sports services sector characteristics when pursuing international obligations and domestic priorities.
This article takes a close look at the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), exploring its importance from legal, political, and economic angles. It fills an important gap by combining these different perspectives to better understand the challenges and benefits of CPEC, especially because it passes through the disputed Kashmir region. Using a mix of legal analysis, examples from similar international cases, and data on trade and economic impact, the study digs into India's claims over the territory and how countries like the UN, EU, and US are reacting to the project. The main goals are to examine the legal arguments for and against CPEC, see how the international community is responding, and assess how the corridor affects trade and diplomacy in the region. The findings show that while CPEC could bring big economic gains to China and Pakistan, it also raises political tensions because of unresolved border disputes and gaps in international law. The article points out how tricky it is to balance economic development with respect for countries' sovereignty and international rules. What makes this article unique is how it connects legal ideas with real-world politics and data, stressing the need for transparent management and open discussions between all parties involved. It offers useful insights for policymakers, legal experts, and anyone interested in the region, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and international law to help CPEC move forward smoothly and peacefully. In short, it shows that projects like CPEC require thoughtful approaches that consider legal, economic, and political issues all at once.
Oil price volatility continues to pose problems for global economic and trade stability, stemming from the shortcomings of the Doha Round framework. The Doha Round breakdown due to its shortcomings in energy negotiations has resulted in policy voids when managing financial market uncertainties. Research investigates the mechanisms by which WTO agreements together with government policy and corporate strategies reduce the identified risks. A systematic review method was used to analyze about 100–150 sources containing WTO agreements together with peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings and technical reports. The research evaluates three important WTO agreements including General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) and Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to analyze their impact on energy trade and financial risk management. This evaluation investigates both public sector and private sector strategic approaches within WTO infrastructure to demonstrate present policy weaknesses and obstacles. The existing WTO management tools display weak performance in confronting oil price disposals alongside economic dangers. The GATT and SCM agreements create general trade liberalization framework and subsidy regulation standards yet they do not have specific provisions for energy trade. The research shows a requirement to strengthen WTO guidelines because they need better risk management support and propose new policy directions to build up the global trade framework. This review helps create links between financial risk management practices and WTO policies, resulting in enhanced stability and resilience of the global energy trade system.
This review examines the paralysis of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM) and the corresponding emergence of the Belt and Road International Commercial Court (BRICC) as a possible alternative regulatory body in international economic law. The paper provides a critical analysis of how the institutional paralysis in WTO DSM, especially the failure of the Appellate Body, has undermined the trust in the multilateral system and has disproportionately hurt developing arteries. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study is anchored in a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology. A strict multiple-step methodology was applied with searches conducted in databases guided by keywords, an inclusion/exclusion analysis of search results, and thematic coding, leading to a comparative analysis of eight scholarly peer-reviewed articles. Regarding the theory of legal pluralism and the constructivist approach, the analysis points to the future that the BRICC is not only a legal vehicle to address any dispute engendered by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-related disputes, but also a legal weapon of Chinese legal diplomacy. BRICC has establishing a hybrid framework consisting of domestic and international legal traditions and the hope of establishing alternative discourse power within international trade regulation. However, there remains an attempt at legitimacy, transparency, and fairness challenges. The paper also discusses how multipolar systems of law are gaining strong relevance in global reorganization of economic order.
China's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics became a case which involves both international trade obligations and domestic control over sponsorship and licensing in sports. The following study will therefore seek to assess whether China meets WTO requirements about the GATS and TRIPS agreements. Using documentation analysis, the findings from the case studies and official documents, academic and grey journals, stakeholder reports, it is possible to point out how Chinese law works and note the gap between legal regulation on paper and its enforcement. The result reveals that foreign sponsors faced restricted market access, complicated regulations, and prejudice that seemed to favour domestic companies. While China's laws are compatible with WTO norms, in practice, it violates these principles through non-tariff measures, transparency, and equal treatment. The Major limitation of the study is that it only used secondary data. Future studies should also yield man-on-the-street interviews augmented by comparisons with other host nations of the Olympics.
Both brand loyalty and Global Value Chain integration could be important factors in strategies for creating competitive positions in highly saturated international markets. This paper aims to assess the impact of brand loyalty on the Global Value Chain integration of Chinese firms under the WTO system. The main research question is to determine what role the Global Value Chain plays in compliance with international trade standards and brand equity in China. This paper uses the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method to map the literature on brand loyalty, GVC integration, and WTO compliance on business practices. This paper notes that enhanced GVC governance enhances customer loyalty by ensuring quality products, and buying firms' satisfaction due to expanded markets. This paper also proposes that observing rules enhances brand reputation by promoting the protection of intellectual property and compliance with international regulations. Finally, the research offers a strategic approach for Chinese enterprises to enhance brand loyalty via culture adaptation, innovation, and services. Practical implications propose that firms need to coordinate global strategies with the local market to be competitive and develop customer loyalty.
This study examines the critical role of the International Commercial Expert Committee (ICEC) within the China International Commercial Court (CICC) in facilitating international commercial dispute resolution. With the expansion of globalization, cross-border disputes have become increasingly intricate, necessitating the creation of specialized institutions to ensure fairness, efficiency, and transparency. The ICEC, integrated into the CICC, leverages international legal expertise to provide mediation and advisory services, enhancing the court's legitimacy by incorporating foreign legal perspectives and promoting impartial decision-making. This paper specifically examines the ICEC’s impact on resolving disputes related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It highlights its role in fostering cross-border judicial cooperation and reinforcing confidence among international businesses in the Chinese legal system. In addition, the study identifies challenges faced by the ICEC and CICC, including jurisdictional issues, the internationalization of legal practices, and the recognition and enforcement of judgments. By providing a comprehensive analysis, the paper aims to contribute to ongoing discussions on improving international commercial dispute resolution processes, emphasizing the ICEC’s vital role in strengthening global legal frameworks.
The establishment of the Hainan Free Trade Port (hereinafter HFTP) represents a key development in China's economic strategy, aligning closely with the nation’s commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO). Officially launched in June 2020, the HFTP is designed to foster an open, modern, and competitive free trade environment, with ambitions to become a leading global trade hub by 2035. This initiative, however, presents complex challenges in balancing the innovative policies of the HFTP with China's existing WTO obligations. The unique regulatory framework of the HFTP, including zero tariffs and significant trade liberalization measures, raises critical questions about compliance with WTO principles, particularly regarding non-discrimination and fair competition. This research article studies the legal and economic implications of the HFTP within the context of China’s WTO commitments, analyzing both the potential benefits and challenges presented by this ambitious project. By examining the intersection of the HFTP with China's broader international trade policies, this study intends to provide insights into the changing dynamics of global trade and offer recommendations for harmonizing the HFTP’s objectives with international trade law.
This study explores the integration of mediation and non-litigation practices in China’s dispute resolution approach within the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework. With the rising importance of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods in international trade, China emphasizes mediation and non-litigation to promote harmony and resolve conflicts more efficiently than traditional litigation. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these practices, focusing on their alignment with China’s cultural emphasis on harmony, and their implications for the WTO’s dispute settlement process. Using a qualitative methodology, including a systematic literature review and thematic analysis, the study examines official WTO case records, policy documents, and relevant Chinese legal texts. Findings reveal that China's ADR approach not only enhances dispute resolution efficiency but also contributes to a diversified dispute settlement system within the WTO. These insights offer broader implications for the evolution of ADR in global trade conflict resolution.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate and systematize the instruments of foreign economic influence in the USSR and the PRC, to draw a parallel between projects for building alliances, taking into account economic instruments. The research methods include the OLS (Weighted OLS) and ARIMA, specifically the comparison of the GDP of USSR and CMEA countries and China and the countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was applied. Same methods were used referring to the mentioned allies (CMEA and RCEP). Concluding the study, the different foreign economic approaches of the USSR and China are shown to have the diverse efficiency and can be introduced to the modern economic multinational projects.
This study aims to examine the ESG challenges faced by Chinese enterprises within the context of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The research uses a systematic literature review to investigate how Chinese firms are integrating ESG strategies that align with both international standards and local policies. The findings highlight key challenges, including regulatory complexity, policy inconsistencies, and difficulties in balancing global ESG expectations with regional economic and cultural contexts. At the same time, Chinese enterprises have adopted innovative approaches such as customized environmental practices, proactive stakeholder engagement, and policy-driven sustainability initiatives to enhance compliance with WTO guidelines. While, regulatory frameworks provide both challenges and opportunities, government policies and economic incentives play a crucial role in facilitating ESG adoption. Additionally, the adaptability of ESG strategies is evident in how companies integrate sustainability into China’s unique economic structures and evolving policy landscape. These insights provide practical policy and corporate guidance for advancing compliance with ESG and contribute to institutional theory by showing how both formal regulations and cultural influences shape sustainable corporate behavior.
The purpose of this study is to examine the specifics of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, Kazakhstan’s place and role in it through the prism of compliance with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Kazakhstan is one of the most important partners and elements of this initiative in many areas, in particular, in the formation of clean and affordable energy sources – thanks to its resource endowment and natural potential. It is also possible for Kazakhstan to achieve mutually beneficial cooperation with other states by following the UN SDGs, for example, through Goal 7 “Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”. In the process of analysing international contacts in recent years, it was emphasized that the Chinese initiative and the UN SDGs have many common points of convergence, which allows us to speak about their prospects from the point of view of a tool for developing strong foreign policy cooperation in many areas. The results of the work can be used in research on this topic, as well as in the context of forming strategies and plans for the development of an independent energy efficiency system in the country.
This study explores the reform of administrative protection models for intellectual property (IP) rights in China, focusing on the shift from private interest-oriented to public welfare-oriented approaches. The purpose of the study is to examine the role of public welfare-oriented administrative protection in promoting innovation-driven development and to analyze its implications for China's intellectual property legal framework. A qualitative research method was adopted, utilizing secondary data collected from journal articles, government reports, policy documents, and legal analyses. The findings reveal that while the private interest-oriented model emphasizes resolving disputes and protecting individual rights, it is insufficient to address China's broader national economic and innovation goals. In contrast, the public welfare-oriented model integrates IP protection with public interest strategies, such as government innovation support, patent navigation, and commercialization of IP assets. The study concludes that reforms are necessary to balance administrative and judicial protection while positioning IP as a strategic resource for economic development. However, the reliance on secondary data limits the study's scope, and future research should incorporate empirical methods to analyze IP protection effectiveness.
This study examines how top management team politics affect firm environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies in China's WTO-shaped regulatory and economic environment. This study uses a quantitative research method to examine 2,150 A-share listed Chinese firms' ESG ratings, and governance disclosures from 2013 to 2022 in various non-financial sectors. A comprehensive study of political relationships' impact on ESG initiatives uses multiple regression models. The findings of research suggest that politics positively affect ESG performance, suggesting that politically connected corporations may embrace more ESG practices due to greater laws and government aims. Strong corporate governance procedures including board independence, openness, and accountability oversight and enforcement prevent symbolic. Environmental innovation increases the effect of political connections on ESG performance, and companies that invest in green technologies meet regulatory standards and acquire a competitive edge by fulfilling global environmental norms and appealing to global stakeholders. This analysis supports political economics and corporate governance theories by showing that political relationships alone cannot deliver significant ESG performance without strong governance institutions and innovative environmental practices. Political links affect sustainable firm strategy through corporate governance and green innovation, according to the findings. The study also boosts sustainable development in politically affected economies by showing that good governance frameworks can leverage political relationships to accomplish national policy goals and international standards, aligning enterprises with WTO expectations. This greatly impacts business and politics. By optimising ESG outcomes through governance improvements, green innovation, and political ties, corporate executives can enhance their reputation, fulfill legal duties, and meet market demands for sustainable practices.
This study examines the impact of WTO Intellectual Property Protection Policies, particularly patents and trademarks, on the internationalization performance of Chinese enterprises in IP-sensitive industries, with a focus on mental capital. Mental capital, a critical intangible asset comprising knowledge, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity, is explored as a key enabler for firms to navigate WTO frameworks and adapt to global markets. IP-sensitive industries, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications, were chosen for their reliance on intellectual property. Data was collected through a mixed-methods approach, including a structured survey of 250 participants from senior and middle management levels in these industries and in-depth interviews with five business leaders selected based on their international market experience. Quantitative findings reveal that Patent Protection and Trademark Protection significantly influence entrepreneurial performance, collectively explaining 76.3% of the variance. Qualitative data highlights the role of mental capital in strategic decision-making, risk management, and cultural adaptability, enabling Chinese enterprises to respond effectively to global challenges. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT), the study demonstrates how intellectual property protections and mental capital function as critical global competitive assets. RBV underscores the importance of firm-specific resources, while DCT highlights the dynamic adaptability required to thrive in rapidly evolving markets. This research offers actionable recommendations to enhance R&D investment, develop mental capital through training and leadership programs, and strengthen national IP systems to support the globalization of Chinese enterprises.
Digital transformation in Chinese manufacturing industries is a new phenomenon that is rapidly transforming China's industrial structures, which provides premised competitive edges in international markets while it has sparked controversy over WTO non-compliance. This paper aims to assess China's manufacturing industry's digital transformation regarding the WTO TRIPS Agreement. Regarding China's position to safeguard IP in the high-tech industries, traditional manufacturing industry, and SMEs, it looks at the legal and regulatory aspects. Through the evaluation of TRIPS commitments of China, this particular paper evaluates the compliance and competitiveness as reinforced through the protection of its IP rights including boosted innovations, foreign direct investment, and entry to the market. While noting that there has been much accomplished in overhauling China's IP Protection, the findings reveal that the major difficulties persist in the enforcement and in aligning laws with information communication technologies. The study thus establishes the need to adhere to IP protection and provides pointers of Porter's Grocery Model on China averts in order to embrace the global market. In this regard, the analysis aims to shed light on the challenging and promising aspects of harmonizing national digital transformation processes with the international framework of IP protection.
