Such restrictions may stop auto makers, for example, from taking a significant share of China's small but growing car market. And Chinese officials have recently made some worrisome comments regarding China's adherence to WTO principles. A top agriculture official has hinted that China may erect nontariff barriers such as strict inspection procedures, to protect the country's farmers. Japan has successfully used such tactics to restrict flows of foreign rice and apples into the country. Eventually, he believes, much of the resistance will disappear, as the central government decrees filter down to local levels.
Workers assemble educational computers at an electronics factory in Guangdong Province.
And surveys have shown that Chinese customers are willing to buy foreign goods, especially computers, electronics, telephones, and insurance, although they appear less likely to buy foreign food, clothes, or cosmetics, or do business with non-Chinese banks. Most observers foresee a difficult few years, followed by an eventual win-win situation that will help both China and foreign businesses. In fact, the whole next decade will be very, very exciting.