ABSTRACT
For much of the twentieth century, China's relations with the world were limited by its own internal struggles and by the devastating Japanese invasion and World War II. Steps in the process of China's reintegration into the international community included American recognition of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1979, paving the way for a new era of exchanges. Although China's trade relations were rapidly expanding, Western states concerns human rights issues in China stirred controversy over granting China normal trading privileges and entrance into world trade organizations. In 2000, the United States decision to grant China 'permanent normal trade relations' (PNTR) status confirmed China's importance as a world economic power and set the stage for an era of more equitable trade relations between the two states. Great Britain established formal relations with China in 1972, even though many Chinese still viewed it as a colonial power, as evinced by its continuing hold on Hong Kong.
