"We welcome the significant progress made towards China' entry in the working gathering held in Geneva from June 28 through July 4," said Takeo Hiranuma, Japan's minister for economy, trade and industry, who is currently visiting the Middle East.

"The rule of law would be established in the trade relationship between Japan and China, and that would bring about significant benefits to the two countries," Hiranuma said in a statement.

Hiranuma's comment was released after Chinese and Japanese officials Wednesday emerged empty handed from two days of talks in Beijing aimed at ending a simmering trade dispute.

In late April, Japan slapped emergency tariffs on spring onions, fresh mushrooms and tatami rushes, a move aimed mainly at China which is the top exporter of these products to the Japanese market.

In retaliation, Beijing late last month imposed 100 percent extra tariffs on automobiles, mobile telephones and air conditioners made in Japan.

"As the Japan-China trade relationship becomes closer, it is conceivable that a variety of trade-related problems will emerge," Hiranuma said.

"In an event such disputes occur, including the existing problems between Japan and China, I hope (they) would be solved constructively under internationally accepted rules including the WTO."

China and the WTO reached full consensus Wednesday on major issues concerning Beijing's bid to join the organization.

China still has to complete the WTO formal admission procedure, but this is expected to be finalized by early 2002.

A final decision is expected to be taken at WTO ministerial meeting in Qatar in November. The Chinese must ratify the text and 30 days later it would take its place in the organization.

(China Daily June 5, 2001)