Speaker
Ichiro Araki
(Yokohama National University)
Description
Asian countries have historically followed, rather than led, in international trade law. While India and China were early GATT members, China withdrew early and rejoined the WTO only in 2001. India has consistently participated but often with skepticism, opposing initiatives like Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs). Today, China is assuming a leadership role, especially in investment facilitation, & both Japan and ASEAN support the system quietly. As U.S. support for the WTO weakens, Asia’s role becomes increasingly vital. Multi-Party Interim Appellate Arbitration system (MPIA), created in 2020, tests this shift, with its first case between China and the EU already decided.
Author
Ichiro Araki
(Yokohama National University)