Allison Lapehn
Manager, Business Advisory Services
Beijing
Allison serves as a Business Advisory Services Manager in the Beijing office. Prior to joining the Council, she worked in policy and government affairs at AmCham China, covering the Chamber’s policy research and analysis, along with US government outreach. Allison also spent two years working in the private sector as a market entry and business development consultant for European SMEs interested in China.
Allison grew up in rural Ohio and has called Beijing home since 2017. Her interest in international politics was originally sparked by her participation in a State Department NSLI-Y exchange to Russia. While in college, she received a summer study grant to attend Renmin University’s summer program and began her study of Chinese language, politics, and culture.
Allison enjoys reading, writing, baking, and hiking with her two adopted dogs in the countryside. She holds a master’s in International Relations from Peking University and a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.
18 Posts
Member Exclusive
Mainland China’s Six-Month Stock Market Rally: Bubble or “Slow Bull”?
China’s stock markets have rebounded in 2025, defying expectations that global trade tensions and weak domestic economic conditions might drag on performance. The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) Composite Index has risen 19.54% over the six-month period, with the China Securities Index (CSI) 300 gaining 22.41%.
Member Exclusive
Financial Services Industry Update
In a statement released on June 6, the Shanghai Stock Exchange pledged to guide listed companies to raise the share and frequency of dividend distribution, as well as to make better use of tools such as share buybacks, M&As, and investor engagement. The SSE is hoping the moves will boost confidence in Chinese assets and make the domestic capital market more attractive for long-term investment.
Member Exclusive
China Hits Growth Target, Launches Anti-Involution Campaign
In the first half of 2025, China achieved GDP growth of 5.2% year-over-year, slightly surpassing expectations. Growth was driven primarily by exports amid a prolonged housing slump, declining industrial demand, and subdued consumer confidence.
Member Exclusive
Continued Restrictions on Rare Earth Exports Stir Uncertainty
Multinational companies have struggled to acquire rare earth magnets from China since the announcement, with several USCBC members expressing concern about manufacturing disruptions caused by delays in export approval for rare earth material from China.
Member Exclusive
China Continues Slow Drip of Supportive Economic Measures
At a press conference this month, the People’s Bank of China announced a new round of supportive economic measures aimed at enhancing liquidity, reducing borrowing costs, and supporting targeted sectors. These measures follow promises of further stimulus first announced in late 2024 and reiterated throughout Q1 2025.
