The World Trade Organisation (WTO), like many clubs, denies patrons the right to automatic readmission. Having quit the organisation's predecessor shortly after the Communist revolution of 1949, China had to wait 15 long years to gain entry after reapplying in the 1980s. The doors finally opened on December 11th 2001, ten years ago this week. China is growing more comfortable with the WTO machinery. In its early years as a member, it shied away from confrontation, Henry Gao of SMU pointed out. In 2006, for example, America threatened to file a complaint over China's duties on kraft linerboard. China lifted the duties the next working day.
The Economist