China's WTO Accession May Increase Income Inequality and Rural Poverty
China joining the World Trade Organization could make some farmers poorer, but it might also create more jobs in rural areas. Prices for some farm products might go down, while others could go up. This could lead to more inequality between farmers and non-farm workers, especially in different regions of China. However, rural-urban income differences may not change much. The researchers used a computer model to predict these effects. They suggest ways to help farmers who might struggle because of China's WTO membership.