economy and there are problems with transparency and poor intellectual property protection. China became a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2001, and shortcomings remain in its implementation of the WTO regulatory framework, for example with respect to openness. Access to the Chinese market for Swedish and other foreign enterprises is restricted in a number of respects, for example through a requirement of joint ownership with a Chinese company, and because certain sectors are closed to foreign ownership. Restrictions in market access have negative effects on global markets and challenge the innovation and intellectual property law systems. China also defines itself in the WTO as a developing country, which entitles it to special conditions under the WTO Agreements (‘special and differential treatment’). The EU regularly lodges complaints about lack of market access in China, and distorted competition caused by state involvement in the country’s economy. Growing global influence Three factors determine the direction of China’s ties with the rest of the world. Firstly, the Communist Party steers foreign policy from a starting point rooted in its view of national self-interest. Secondly, China’s growing economic and political resources give the country increasing international significance. Thirdly, China’s increasing ties to the rest of the world mean that it has growing interests to safeguard. The Communist Party’s need to deliver economic growth and increasing prosperity also determines self-interest in foreign policy. The 19th Party Congress in 2017 established a goal for China to become a great modern socialist country by 2049, the hundredth anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic. The modernisation of the country’s armed forces is due to be completed by 2035, and by 2049 the armed forces are to be worldclass. With its growing economic weight, China has increasing global interests to protect. China is the world’s largest importer of energy and of a number of raw materials, such as iron and copper. China’s importance as an investor, lender and aid donor is growing. China pursues an active policy in Asia and the Pacific region, and with respect to other parts of the world, such as Africa and Latin America. In recent years, China has stepped up its engagement in the UN and the multilateral system. China particularly seeks influence in areas such as trade, human rights, migration, nonproliferation, agriculture and food, but also cyberspace, climate negotiations, anti-terrorism and the 2030 Agenda. In the UN Security Council, China tends to emphasise states’ sovereignty and the principle of non-interference. China expresses general support for international law, but acts selectively, particularly in relation to issues that China regards as its core interests. China has not recognised the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, by virtue of which states can acknowledge the ICJ’s jurisdiction in advance in all disputes. Nor has China allowed full access to international bodies scrutinising human rights. China did not participate in the South China Sea Arbitration with the Philippines, citing 5