Understanding Chinaʹs telecommunications policymaking and reforms: a tale of transition toward liberalization

By drawing on institutional theory and bargaining theory, this paper analyzes Chinaʹs telecommunications policymaking mechanism, an important but less-explored issue. Key factors of shaping Chinaʹs telecommunications policy are examined and the implementation of Chinaʹs telecommunications policy in network development, competition, foreign direct investment, and regulatory restructuring is investigated. Finally, the impacts of Chinaʹs entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) on its telecommunications reform and transition are discussed.