China's entry into the World Trade Organization was the culmination of a lengthy negotiation process that began in 1986 when China first expressed interest in joining the organization, which was then known as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Following years of discussions, China was finally granted its membership after committing to significant reforms designed to open its markets and decrease tariffs on imports. This decision was formalized during a ceremony in Doha, Qatar, attended by various international trade ministers.

The accession involved China agreeing to extensive commitments including reductions in tariffs, the protection of intellectual property rights, and the encouragement of foreign investment. This transformation was intended not only to comply with global standards but also to leverage China's potential as a vast consumer market for other countries, presenting a new frontier for international trade.

Furthermore, China's WTO membership transformed its economic landscape by promoting globalization and integrating it into the world economy. The outcome of these changes saw rapid economic growth in China, which began to play a crucial role as a global economic powerhouse, affecting trade patterns and relationships worldwide. Even as challenges arose regarding compliance with WTO rules and disputes with trading partners, China's entry was a pivotal moment in both its economic history and the global trading system.