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.
13 Posts
Member Exclusive
China’s 2025 Budget: More Debt, More Tech
At the annual two sessions meetings earlier this month, China unveiled its 2025 government budget, detailing its spending priorities for the year. Aligned with the themes of the Government Work Report, which includes the highest projected deficit-to-GDP ratio in three decades, the budget enables greater spending to allow for a more proactive fiscal policy.
Member Exclusive
Government Work Report 2025: China Announces Stabilization Measures, Holds off on Major Stimulus
On March 5, Premier Li Qiang opened the annual National People’s Congress by delivering the Government Work Report. The report was released in tandem with the National Development and Reform Commission’s draft plan for economic and social development and the Ministry of Finance’s draft central and local government budgets.
Member Exclusive
China’s CEWC Vows Bolder Economic Support in 2025
Senior Chinese policymakers on Thursday concluded the annual Central Economic Work Conference, where leaders met over two days to set the economic agenda for the coming year. The conference took place as China continues to grapple with a severe property market crisis, mounting local government debt, and weak domestic demand.
Member Exclusive
China Rolls Out Stimulus Measures as Quarterly Growth Data Hits New Low
Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on October 18 reveals that China’s GDP grew by 4.6 percent in the third quarter of the year, the slowest pace since early 2023.
Member Exclusive
China Unleashes Wave of Stimulus Measures as Time Runs Out To Meet Growth Target
Beijing has taken the first step toward fixing its economic problem—admitting it has one. China’s growth has continued to stagnate this year as it grapples with a protracted real estate downturn, local government debt, and record youth unemployment, which have all resulted in an acute crisis of confidence.
USCBC Beijing 2025 Reception
