China’s membership package for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been signed at an official ceremony that took place in Doha, 12 November. The 900-page document included various commitments across a wide range of industries that will force open China's economy to competition. The event took place just one hour after Taiwan’s entry was also approved.

The signing ceremony was aired live on Chinese state television where the minister of foreign trade and economic co-operation, Shi Guangsheng, promised his country would play by the rules of the international trade body. Mr Shi added that membership would create "more and better business opportunities" for exporters and investors worldwide.

Taiwanese celebrations were muted by comparison as the possibility remained until the documents were signed that China might try and block the country’s membership bid. China’s membership process now enters a 30-day waiting period until December 11, 2001, when membership will finally be ratified.

US president George Bush welcomed both China and Taiwan to the WTO saying he looked forward to "the great benefits we know greater trade will bring to all our peoples."