It’s been 15 years since China joined the World Trade Organization, and yet China is still waiting for the WTO to grant it market economy status. During this period, some Chinese businesses have expanded overseas while others have been accused of flouting international anti-dumping rules.

Chinese leaders have been lobbying major trading partners in a bid to secure market economy recognition. And during the second round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue in 2010 in Beijing, the two sides agreed to work together toward this goal.