The California First Amendment Coalition (CFAC) is asking the U.S. government to file a formal complaint against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Switzerland. The CFAC argues that China’s strict censorship of internet activity and blocking of foreign websites, such as BBC and YouTube, has meant that foreign websites do not enjoy equal access to Chinese users in comparison to Chinese websites.

Accordingly, this constitutes an act of discrimination against foreigners, which is contrary to WTO rules. A possible ‘legal assault’ on China has received a lukewarm response from YouTube and Google. The case serves to highlight the inter-linkage between commercial trade and freedom of speech. International trade may well strengthen the status of human rights.