How long was it from the time when China applied to join GATT till the deal between the US and China was signed?

F: Good morning, Mr. Zhang. I am glad that you have accepted my interview.
M: Good morning, Miss Lee. It’s my pleasure if I can be of any help.
F: Mr. Zhang, we all know that China and the United States signed an historic agreement in November 1999, which will pave the way for China to enter the World Trade Organization, 13 years after it applied to join. As an official of Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation, what do you think of the significance of this event?
M: I would say it is the most important economic event since December 1979, when China switched from state planning and isolation to reform and the open-door policy. It opened the way for China to join the world’s principal trading body, since we all know that the US was the toughest party to deal with among all negotiations with other WTO members.
F: The chief US negotiator described the deal as "profoundly important" and all round excellent one for American business. Do you think it may create a double-winning situation?
M: Yes, of course.