阿摩線上測驗
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所屬科目：研究所、轉學考(插大)-專業英文
1. China's rise has radically altered the politics of one of the most prominent and controversial issues in the global trading system: agriculture subsidies. Agricilture subsidics depress global prices and undermine the competitiveness and livelihoods of poor farmers, and therefore have been long seen as a symbol of the injustice of the trading system.
China's support to agriculture is dominated by market price support, direct payments based on production, and input subsidies, which are the most trade-distorting means of providing agricultural assistance. Market price support, through the purchase of commodities by state agencies at a minimum guaranteed price, represents an important pillar of China's agricultural support. Following the 2007-08 Global Food Crisis, which heightened food security concerns, China doubled the value of its agricultural support. China's policy of supporting producers through the purchase of agricultural commodities at above-market prices has led to the accumulation of massive state reserves. China has amassed 60% of the world's cotton supplies, over 50% of its comn, 40% of wheat and 21% of soybeans. To dispose of these large stocks, the government auctions them off below cost, while using various measures to discourage imports. Given the size of its state reserves, China's policies exert 'a colossal influence' on world prices.
Price support and general input subsidies have been the main instruments used in China, because these policies yield quick returns and are relatively easy to operate, as opposed to less trade-distorting direct support, which is less effective in boosting food production. Critics argue, however, that if its objective is to support its farmers, China has other, more effective policy options s at its disposal, which would have less barmful effects on global markets and producers in other countries. There are also better ways to address rural poverty and support rural development, including through providing improved rural pensions, healthcare, education and infrastructure. But China has vigorously defended its agricultural subsidies at the WTO, maintaining that it is providing'nec ssary and essential support' to its rural sector. Indeed, China argues that it is simply claiming the right to support its agricultural sector, as the US and other advanced-industrialized states have long done. (Source: Kristen Hopewell: US-China Conflict in Global Trade Governance)