Q: It is reported that the United States has officially announced the granting of permanent trade status to China. What is China's comment?

A: We welcome President Bush's proclamation on 27 December on China's permanent trade status. Over a long period of time, the U.S. Congress conducted an annual review of China's permanent trade status, which used to be called the "most favoured nation treatment". The practice negatively affected the development of bilateral economic relations and trade. The settlement of China's permanent trade status issue has removed a major obstacle to the development of bilateral economic relations and trade. It has created conditions for the further stable and healthy development of the bilateral economic relations and trade.

As a new member of the WTO, China will strictly abide by the rules of the WTO. On the basis of equality and mutual benefit, China is ready to step up its economic cooperation and trade with the United States and other countries of the world. China's position on this issue is steadfast. It is our hope that China and the United States work jointly for a favourable condition and atmosphere for the development of bilateral economic relations and trade.