WTO win could open China's door to US companies

GENEVA (AP) - The World Trade Organization backed the United States Wednesday in a major trade battle with China, issuing a ruling that could ease tight controls and open markets for U.S. makers of everything from DVDs to books and music downloads.

The decision came down decisively against Beijing's policy of forcing American media producers to route their business through state-owned companies. It will not yield immediate revenues in Hollywood or Silicon Valley, and it may take sanctions - or the threat of them - to force China to ease access for U.S. companies to the world's largest marketplace.