Embassy Speaker Series: Minister Li Kexin
The US-China Business Council (USCBC) hosted another event as part of its embassy speaker series with key officials from the Chinese Embassy. This program featured Minister Li Kexin, the second ranking official in the embassy and Deputy Chief of Mission. Minister Li shared an update on the trade talk agreements reached in Washington in early October and developments since then; and China’s economic reform agenda and what specific actions are being taken to address some of the US’ concerns with structural issues such as: market access (e.g. financial service liberalizations), regulatory updates (e.g. sanitary and phytosanitary regulations discussed between Ambassador Lighthizer and Vice Premier Liu He), commitments to improve IPR protection and limit technology transfer (e.g. China’s Foreign Investment Law Implementing Regulations), and willingness to discuss SOE reforms.
Restricting Chinese Companies' Access to US Capital?—Prospects for Legislation or Executive Action
The SEC and PCAOB published notice late last year of their ongoing challenges with Chinese auditing practices at odds with requirements for companies publicly listed on US stock exchanges. Members of Congress have also expressed concerns over this and other issues related to US capital funding Chinese companies. The EQUITABLE Act, proposed legislation in both Houses, would impose stricter limits and conditions on US investments in Chinese companies and on Chinese companies seeking to list in the US. In September, press reports indicated that the White House is considering its own action via an executive order aimed at limiting US capital flows into Chinese securities.
USCBC hosted a roundtable discussion on October 30th with Akin Gump partners Claudius Modesti and Clete Willems to discuss the issues driving concerns among policymakers, proposals to address these issues, and the implications for US-China commercial relations and US business. Mr. Modesti shared his perspective as a former enforcement director at the PCAOB and now as counsel to companies and firms in proceedings involving the PCAOB and SEC. Mr. Willems shared insights as a trade negotiator and international economic law and policy expert. He joined Akin Gump after serving as Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economics and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council.
Amb. James Keith on US-China Relations: A Conversation with James Green from the US-China Dialogue Podcast
USCBC hosted a discussion with Ambassador James Keith on his takeaways from over three decades of diplomatic service and where we are on US-China relations. During his 31-year career as a US diplomat, Keith became one of the US government’s top experts on China, serving as deputy assistant secretary of state for China, NSC director for China, consul general in Hong Kong, and as a political officer in the US Embassy in Beijing. He also served as US Ambassador to Malaysia and has broad experience in Asia outside of China. James Green, a former US official who hosts the US-China Dialogue Podcast series, led the discussion with Ambassador Keith, a recent interviewee. The conversation covered the prospects for continued trade friction and what changes for US ties with China may—or may not—occur after the 2020 election.
The US-China Dialogue Podcast is a series of interviews with former senior US officials about their participation during pivotal events in US-China relations. At this critical juncture, where both the United States and China are rethinking the trajectory of the bilateral relationship, these recorded interviews are being released so that the past decisions of cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and other senior officials can help a new generation of policymakers grapple with how to interact with China. This series is part of a new effort presented by Georgetown University's US-China Initiative for Dialogue on Global Issues.
Beyond Tariffs: Curbing abuse of US trade laws and moving towards a constructive solution with China
As the costs of the US-China trade dispute and escalating tariff actions continue to mount, the burning question is where do we go from here? How do we deescalate and still address the real concerns around intellectual property rights protection and technology transfer? And what can be done to end the self-damaging ratcheting up of tariffs, and prevent the abuse of US trade laws, including Section 301 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)? The US-China Business Council hosted Dan Griswold, Senior Research Fellow and Director of Trade and Immigration at George Mason University Mercatus Center, for a conversation on alternatives to tariffs to move towards a more constructive solution for dealing with China’s unfair trade practices. A trade policy expert, Griswold has written extensively on the benefits of trade and globalization to America, and can share insights on the scope of US trade laws and potential for reform.
AmCham Hong Kong Presenting Craig Allen's US-China Trade Update and the View from Washington
Craig Allen, President of the US-China Business Council (USCBC) based in Washington, DC, shared insights on the ongoing US-China trade talks and the impact on businesses in China. Mr. Allen came from meetings with senior Chinese government officials with USCBC's board and shared insights from the meeting as well as the Washington, DC perspective.
Effective Government Affairs in China: A Look at the New Healthcare Horizon
USCBC hosted a discussion on government affairs healthcare landscape in China on October 23. Li Ye, Vice President, Head of China Corporate Affairs and China Government Relations, at the biopharmaceutical arm of EMD Serono, Inc., offered her view of the rapidly changing healthcare environment in China and discuss the role of government affairs in navigating challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in trade, innovation, IP, and access.
Join Ambassador Craig Allen for AmCham Seminar on Ongoing US-China Trade Talks
Craig Allen, President of the US-China Business Council (USCBC) based in Washington, DC and other expert speakers shared insights on the ongoing US-China trade talks and the impact on businesses in China. Mr. Allen came from meetings with senior Chinese government officials with USCBC's board and shared insights from the meetings as well as the Washington, DC perspective.
President Harley Seyedin also provided a briefing on his October meetings in Washington, D.C.
Shanghai Member Briefing: 2019 Board Delegation Briefing with USCBC President Craig Allen
The US-China Business Council hosted a lunch meeting where Craig Allen, President at the US-China Business Council, presented the outcomes of the upcoming USCBC Board Delegation Trip to China. During the trip, the delegation met with state leaders and ministers who are overseeing domestic economy and reform issues. As the November presidential summit is approaching, Craig also shared his perspectives on potential developments on the US-China trade negotiation.
What Will China's Economy Look Like in 2020?
On Friday, October 18th, S&P’s Global Chief Economist Paul Gruenwald along with his entire team of senior global economists offered their read on how China’s economy is performing and being managed amid escalating trade tensions and a slowing global economy. Will China choose to pursue high-quality growth or revert to its old model of chasing growth targets? How much pain have the tariffs brought to China’s economy, and will the Chinese government be able to stabilize its economy? How will China reconcile the costs of its industrial policy and subsidies with rising external pressure? From their participation in the International Monetary Fund’s annual meetings in October, Paul and his team discussed how the top economic policymakers in the world are thinking about these critical problems that lie ahead for China’s economy.
Lunch Debriefing on USCBC Board Delegation Visit in Beijing
USCBC hosted a lunch briefing with Jake Parker, Senior Vice President of the US-China Business Council. During the briefing Jake will presented outcomes and insights from USCBC Board Delegation Visit in Beijing on October 16-17th. Jake shared his perspective on the latest developments in US-China trade negotiations as well as potential outcomes. This event took place on Friday, October 18th, at the St. Regis Hotel in Beijing.