Canada is looking to join the EU. in a challenge to China in the WTO

Canada is looking to join the EU. in a challenge to China in the WTO. 

Canada plans to seek to join the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia to join consultations in the dispute between the European Union and China within the World Trade Organization over Beijing’s claims of trade restrictions on Lithuania.

“Canada is worried about China’s recent trade moves in the past against Lithuania in addition to European Union goods and services that have Lithuanian content. This could affect the rules-based international trading structure and institutions”, Global Affairs Canada declared in a statement Thursday.

The E.U. has launched a legal challenge to this Geneva-based body for trade in the month of January and accused China of discriminatory trade practices towards Lithuania that, according to the E.U., are threatening the integrity of the European Union’s Single Market.

China has slashed relations with Lithuania and has pressed multinationals to end ties with Lithuania. 

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Baltic state of 2.8 million people following the fact that it permitted Taiwan to establish an embassy de facto in Vilnius.

Canada stated that it would not support “economic pressure” and was a part of “like-minded partners in promoting international trade based on rules” in the WTO.

China has stated that the dispute is more political than economic and called Lithuania’s actions an attempt to “hijack” relations between China and the E.U. China considers the autonomous Taiwan island Taiwan as its territory.

The dispute to be heard at the WTO gives 60 days to parties to hold talks to come up with an agreement. 

If there is no settlement, then the E.U. might decide to start an official dispute, which would establish the WTO panel to examine the claims of China.