October 14, 2025, WSCRC’s inaugural U.S.-China Symposium was a full house — and full of energy, ideas, and honest and forward-thinking conversations about the evolving U.S.–China relations. From discussions on the outlook of U.S.-China relationship to trade and technology to subnational engagement and people-to-people ties. Speakers shared examples of how the current, frayed relationship has impacted their operations, and recommended practical solutions in this challenging environment that would put the relationship on a smarter path and help avoid a disastrous conflict. The day reaffirmed Washington State’s unique role as a bridge for exchange, innovation, and understanding. WSCRC is proud to keep that spirit alive and strong.
A heartfelt thank you to all our speakers for sharing their insights, expertise, and candor, and to our sponsors, members, and partners for their incredible support in making this event possible. Special thanks to our generous sponsors: the Quincy Institute, K&L Gates, Microsoft, the Northwest Seaport Alliance, Port of Seattle, Weisbrod Matteis and Copley, Century Law, and Greater Pacific Industries.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and to be part of this growing community driving meaningful U.S.–China engagement from the Pacific Northwest.
Photos 1-4 Credit: Terry@Seattle Chinese Radio Station
View video recordings from the Symposium below.
Keynote Remarks by Sean Stein, President of U.S. China Business Council
Panel 1: Global Powers in Motion: Decoding U.S.-China Dynamics
- James McGregor, Chairman, APCO’s Greater China
- Jackie Miller, President & CEO, World Affairs Council Seattle
- Victor Shih, Director, 21st Century China Center; Professor and Ho Miu Lam Chair in China and Pacific Relations, UC San Diego
- Jake Werner, Director of East Asia Program, Quincy Institute
Panel 2: Trade, Tariffs, and Washington’s Economic Landscape
- Edward Alden, Visiting Professor, WWU; Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
- Kristin Ang, Commissioner, Port of Tacoma; Managing Member, Northwest Seaport Alliance
- John Bruns, former VP for Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes; former President of Boeing China
- Riley Bushue, Vice President, Northwest Horticultural Council
- Julia Ying, President, Polar Bay Foods
Panel 3: Innovation, Competition, and Collaboration in Technology
- Alvin Wang Graylin, Fellow/Lecturer, Stanford HAI/MIT; Author, “Our Next Reality”; Chairman, Virtual World Society; Former China President, HTC
- John VerWey, Advisor for the Global Security, Technology and Policy Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
- Mike Yeh, Regional Vice President, Corporate External and Legal Affairs, Microsoft Asia
- Wenchi Yu, Non-resident fellow, Harvard Kennedy School; Host and Co-Producer, DC Insiders: Producer, Perspectives with Wenchi Yu
