Two good assessments appeared yesterday concerning U.S. – China trade litigation in the WTO. They discuss the increased litigation by the Obama administration, the generally positive significance of such WTO litigation, and why it does not evidence a trade war.

…. The following is a good review of  U.S. – China litigation in the WTO. It argues such litigation has become the core of U.S. –  China relations (trade or otherwise). It also contends there has been a seminal shift in U.S. trade policy to emphasize continuous actions to contest perceived Chinese restrictions. “At the WTO U.S. Racks Up Wins Against China.” Washington Post (August 9, 2012).

…. This piece claims that while WTO litigation is expanding, especially between the U.S. and China, its importance is really is in restricting future defensive trade remedies (such as antidumping and subsidies.) However, it notes these trade remedy actions really don’t seriously consider the reality of a global supply chain. “Decommissioning the Misfiring Weapons of Trade Warfare.” Financial Times (August 9, 2012).