How will membership into the WTO impact China?

 

Overview China has just become the 143rd member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). What is the WTO? Use the article and lesson plan to have students learn about the WTO, and the issues surrounding China's participation in the WTO.

Curriculum connections: International Relations, World History, Current Events

Objectives
Students will be able to:

• Identify the functions of the World Trade Organization
• Determine how joining the WTO will impact China

Standards
National Council for the Social Studies
VII Production, distribution and consumption, grades nine -12
High school students should be able to develop economic perspectives and deeper understanding of key economic concepts and processes through systematic study of a range of economic and sociopolitical systems, with particular emphasis on the examination of domestic and global economic policy options related to matters such as health care, resource use, unemployment and trade.

IX Global connections, grades nine -12
High school students should be able to think systematically about personal, national, and global decisions, interactions and consequences, including addressing critical issues such as peace, human rights, trade and global ecology.

Materials
CNNfyi.com article "Long wait over as China joins the WTO"
Internet access

Suggested time
Article and questions only: 30 minutes
Full lesson plan: Two to three classroom periods

Procedure 1.Have students read the CNNfyi.com article"Long wait over as China joins the WTO," and ask the following:

• What is the World Trade Organization (WTO)? What event took place at the WTO meeting in Doha, Qatar? Why were some WTO trading partners concerned about granting China membership into the WTO? How did China respond to these concerns?

• Why has this been "a major year" for China? In your opinion, will these events impact China's standing with the international community? Why or why not? If so, how?

2. Ask students to share what they know about the history, culture, politics and economy of modern-day China. Then, divide your class into small groups. Refer students to online and print resources to conduct research on one of the following:

• The functions and responsibilities of the World Trade Organization.
• The benefits and obligations associated with being a member of the WTO.
• Why it was difficult for China to become a member of the WTO.
• The political and economic benefits and drawbacks of China joining the WTO.

Assessment
Inform students that a nationwide poll of Chinese by the Xinhua news agency found that 55 percent of respondents had little or no understanding of the WTO. Have each student create a pamphlet for Chinese citizens that explains the function and responsibilities of the WTO and how China stands to benefit from participating in the organization.