The US is in talks with technology and free speech advocates about the trade implications of China's internet policies, but is not yet ready to bring a case to the World Trade Organisation.
The Office of the US Trade Representative yesterday said officials were “consulting with industry and stakeholders regarding internet issues and China”, but stopped short of saying the agency was specifically considering a WTO challenge. At the same time, such a move was not ruled out.
The possibility of a WTO case against China on internet censorship has gained traction in recent months after Google threatened to pull out of the country in response to alleged hacking attacks.