China November 13 2000 With China's expected entry into the WTO, a country that for centuries rebuffed foreign attempts to access its markets is now a signatory to a treaty that will progressively open its economy. In the reporting of this process of accession to the WTO, Chinese newspapers have needed to abreviate, and they refer now simply to China 'entering the World'. It is only an abreviation, but it captures perfectly the enormity of the project that now faces the worlds most populous nation. China's remarkable transformation over the past two years from a poor isolationist nation into Asia's rising giant should signify that Beijing is equal to the challenge. Overview - Party supremacy remains a sticking point - Aura of dynastic change permeates party - Taiwan's shadow haunts officials WTO Accession - Few sectors will remain untouched - Giving wings to the tiger - Advisers get a taste of things to come - Foreigners have high hopes - No quick way to sort out differences Economy - Officials remain sanguine over country's prospects - The oil industry: The final domino is about to fall - Honing its competitive edge Markets - First big step on the long road to reform Banking - Debt laden institutions lighten the load - Domestic rules could slow progress Technology - Foreigners eye the China pie - Invigorating volley of views - Global contagion spreads eastwards Society - China's Olympic bid: A hugely important symbol of acceptance - Social welfare: Switch to a funded system - A life cleaving to the cutting edge - Classrooms for learning market economy lessons - Traces of socialism hard to discern: Shanghai Profile - Booming appeal of city academic