WTO backs US over China media censorship concerns

The WTO has largely upheld a US complaint that China is breaking commerce rules by restricting the sale of American CDs, DVDs, books and computer software, AP reported, citing officials familiar with the ruling. Beijing and Washington were informed of the findings last month but the ruling isn’t to be made public until August 12. The WTO is able to endorse sanctions against countries unwilling to bring their trade practices in line with international agreements, although usually only after years of litigation. As it is, the WTO panel delivered mixed findings on censorship rules that apply to US goods but not Chinese products – and which American media companies claim cost them millions of dollars a year. The panel also agreed that US films should go through one of two designated distributors to be screened in China, a requirement not imposed on domestic movies.