Question
Kunming Amusement Company (KAC) is a toy manufacturer located in Yunnan province in southern China. KAC routinely dumps industrial waste from its manufacturing operations in
Kunming Amusement Company (KAC) is a toy manufacturer located in Yunnan province in southern China. KAC routinely dumps industrial waste from its manufacturing operations in the nearby Mekong River. The Chinese government is aware of this practice but has failed to take any action to prevent the occurrence or inform neighboring states. Two months ago, there was an industrial accident at KAC's manufacturing facility, which resulted in the significant discharge of numerous toxins (including lead-based paint) into the Mekong River. KAC informed the Chinese government of this accident, but the Chinese government failed to inform downstream states of the accident. As a result, people in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam unknowingly utilized tainted water for numerous domestic purposes, including drinking, bathing, irrigation and watering of livestock. The accident was only discovered after numerous downstream users became ill and there were massive fish kills, which resulted in subsequent testing of the water and discovery of the contamination. If the United States responded to these events by increasing surveillance of KAC's toys for lead content, would such a ban be consistent with its obligations pursuant to GATT? Why or why not? If the United States responded to these events by banning importation of all Chinese toys manufactured in an environmentally unsound manner, would such a ban be consistent with its obligations pursuant to GATT? Why or why not?
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started