The China Equation: Risk, Resilience, and Opportunity in a Shifting Market
As U.S.-China relations continue to evolve, businesses on both sides face an increasingly complex environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, technological competition, and regulatory changes. Yet despite these challenges, China remains a significant market and an important part of global supply chains, while the United States continues to be a key destination for Chinese investment and commercial engagement.
How are businesses adapting, and what should organizations know before entering or expanding in either market?
Join the Washington State China Relations Council and the Washington State Department of Commerce on Friday, September 11, for a fireside chat that will explore the current realities of doing business with and in China. Our speakers, Eric Zheng, President of AmCham Shanghai, and David Tang, Partner at K&L Gates, will share practical insights on today’s trade and investment landscape, emerging opportunities and challenges, and offer strategies for managing risk while maintaining successful long-term commercial engagement.
This event is complimentary, but registration is required. Light breakfast will be provided for in-person attendees. A virtual option is available for those who are unable to attend in person. However, we strongly encourage in-person attendance for a more interactive and engaging experience, as well as the opportunity to network with the speakers and fellow attendees.
Agenda
8:30 AM Registration and Networking
(not available to virtual attendees)
9:00 – 10:00 AM Program
In-Person Registration
Virtual Registration
SPEAKER BIOS
Eric Zheng is the President of American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. With nearly 3,000 members, AmCham Shanghai is the largest American Chamber of Commerce in Asia Pacific. Eric has been involved in the Chamber for many years in various elected roles including as the Board chair (2018 and 2019).
Eric brings a unique combination of private and public sector experiences to the presidency. He worked in management consulting with PwC in the U.S. and later served for the U.S. Department of Commerce as the principal commercial officer at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou. Eric had a long career with AIG in Greater China and held a series of positions that culminated in his service as CEO of AIG China. He then chaired the board of Heng An Standard Life Insurance Company.
In volunteer roles, Eric serves as the Greater China regional chair of the Committee of 100 and as a board director of Shanghai Make-A-Wish Charity Foundation. The Shanghai municipal government has granted Eric its Magnolia Gold Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the city. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Fudan University and an MBA from Georgetown University.
David Tang is a Partner at K&L Gates and his law practice concentrates in the areas of foreign investment, cross-border financings, and corporate structuring. He has more than 40 years of transactional experience in the Greater China market. Mr. Tang was managing partner of Preston Gates & Ellis LLP from 1995–1999, a predecessor law firm to the formation of K&L Gates LLP and served as the Asia regional managing partner in Asia for the past 15 years. He is recognized in Best Lawyers and China Business Law Journal, among other directories.
Among his activities, David served on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco from 2002–2008 and as its chair from 2006–2008. He serves as the Trustee of the Blakemore Foundation, is a board member of the Washington State China Relations Council, a member of the Advisory Council of Asia Society Northern California and Seattle, the Council of Foreign Relations, and of the World Justice Project Leadership Council. He chairs the American Bar Association Committee on Trade in International Legal Services. Mr. Tang holds an AB (magna) from Harvard University; a JD from Columbia University; and a Certificate from The Hague Academy of International Law.