What does the word consensus in the second paragra

单项选择题

① China’s entrance into the World Trade Organization (WTO) will benefit not only itself but the whole world, said an article in People’s Daily (December 28). ② For the last nine years negotiations have gone on concerning restoring China’s status in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which is replaced by WTO. The negotiations have drawn attention from all over the world. Only when consensus is reached on key issues, can the final decision, involving more than 100 member states, be made. It is expected that China’s bid will eventually pass, though final details and a timetable have not been decided yet, said the People’s Daily. ③ Over the past years, China has taken important steps to conform to international trade regulations based on the Uruguay-round talks. It is clear that China has made its markets more open, both in commercial and tertiary industries. Since 1992, a series of measures has been taken in lowering tariff rates and reducing non-tariff barriers. These reforms demonstrate China’s readiness to join the WTO. Serious disputes, however, still remain between China and some key member states over the obligations China should undertake. China should be responsible for reform compatible with its current development level, the article stressed. In future negotiations, we should insist on this point and give the member states a clearer understanding of the practical situation in China. ④ China has a population of 1.2 billion, which increases by 10 million each year. The government must be very cautious in reforms to prevent dramatic economic downfalls, which may have disastrous results not only in China but around the world. China’s per capita income remains less than $500. There are still 70 million people who do not have enough for basic food and clothing. The negotiations should bear in mind the country’s development level when they decide the obligations China should assume. Otherwise, negotiation results will be meaningless, or worse; they could stifle the Chinese market. It is like the old Chinese saying: “Killing the hen to get the eggs.” ⑤ China is in transition from a planned economy to a market one. With such a big population and large economic development scale, a transitional period is necessary for any new reform measure. This is also the case when adopting some international practice.

What does the word consensus in the second paragraph probably mean in the context

A．Result.
B．Contract.
C．Arrangement.
D．Agreement.