China Seeks Wto Seat

China has urged that it be rewarded in its 11-year bid to join the World Trade Organisation for its sacrifices during Asias economic crisis, including a decision not to devalue its currency, the yuan. Beijings top negotiator, deputy foreign trade minister Long Yongtu, made the call as the latest round of talks on WTO accession ended with little progress despite a new Chinese offer on tariff cuts. Long complained that Beijings trading partners wanted to move too fast and played down hopes for a quick breakthrough.