This paper investigates the implications of China’s accession to the World Trade Organization in December 2001 for the Philippines based on an analysis of Philippine-China bilateral trade structure, a presentation of the commitments made by China for its WTO accession, and a discussion of this significant event on China’s own economy. It points to finer applications of the theory of comparative advantage, e.g., identifying niche markets, building brand images, and engaging in strategic cooperation or competition with international partners, as the ways to survive in, if not profit from, the emerging world order.
