On July 26, 2018, the Washington State China Relations Council convened the Corporate Executive Briefing Series with a presentation from Jerry Hendin on crisis communications in the Chinese market. Mr. Hendin has over 40 years’ experience working with companies to protect their reputations in times of crisis and was formerly vice president of Communications for Boeing, and prior to that, president and chief executive officer of Edelman Public Relations. Mr. Hendin’s wealth of professional experience contributed to an engaging discussion of international crisis communications for US companies operating in China.

Mr. Hendin outlined the specificities of China’s regulatory and media environment, noting the significance of social media within the Chinese public. He further analyzed the impact that social media can have on US-based brands operating in China, observing that “75% of people in China actively create content on social media compared with 25% of people in the US.” In this challenging media environment, Mr. Hendin advises that US-based companies designate a spokesperson on the ground in China who has both the authority to represent the company and the local knowledge to communicate effectively during time of crisis, which is key in preventing communicative mishaps.

As a part of his highly interactive presentation style, Mr. Hendin distributed a crisis communications exercise which engaged attendees to provide input and share from their business experiences. While working through this hypothetical crisis communications scenario, attendees discussed the various facets of navigating the challenges of public relations during a crisis. In conclusion, Mr. Hendin articulated three main takeaways for any company: conduct an internal risk audit, create a crisis communications plan, and train executives.

Summary author: Mengyao Liu

On July 16, 2018, the WSCRC President Mercy Kuo and Robert Hamilton, Trade Policy Advisor at the Office of the WA State Governor, met with this year’s delegation of the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Discussion focused on the US-China trade relationship and regional economic cooperation. The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Republic of Ghana; Israel Television News Company; Ministry of Economy, Slovak Republic; American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh; Stockholm Chamber of Commerce; Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The conversation covered a wide range of topics, including forecasted trends in US-China trade relations from the vantage point of Washington State. In addressing questions concerning economic tension between the US and China, Robert Hamilton drew from his extensive professional experience as the Trade Policy Advisor at the Office of the WA State Governor and at the US Department of Commerce. He shared unique insight on how Washington State is expected to weather current trade disputes and providing an international perspective on an issue largely perceived to be bilateral.

WSCRC President Mercy Kuo discussed WSCRC’s work in promoting stronger trade, educational, and cultural relations between the state of Washington and China. She emphasized the importance of cooperation and partnership for Washington State and Chinese companies, as well as the positive impacts these relationships have on the global and local economies. The delegates expressed interest in building international relationships through efforts and entities based on WSCRC’s model in their home countries

WSCRC extends special thanks to the Washington State Department of Commerce as venue host and the World Affairs Council of Seattle for facilitating the meeting.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu

On July 12, 2018, the Washington State China Relations Council launched the US-China Women’s Leadership Forum, led by WSCRC board members Holly Yang, Sharon Sidoine and Annamarie Larson as Forum chair and vice-chairs, respectively. Approximately 50 attendees represented business and government professions. The Forum topic – Washington Women: Successful Leadership on the Front Lines of US-China Business Relations – provided a platform for senior-level women leaders to exchange ideas and thought leadership with each other and attendees. Introducing the purpose of the WSCRC Women’s Leadership Forum, WSCRC board member Holly Yang detailed WSCRC’s aim to facilitate executive-level exchange, networking opportunities, and professional mentorship opportunities.

Port of Seattle Commissioner Courtney Gregoire shared engaging and informative opening remarks, discussing longstanding trade relations between Washington State and China. She noted that “strong relationships” and “mutual benefits” are necessary components to maintaining that connection, particularly in times of uncertainty. After discussing her own experiences working internationally between the United States and China, she encouraged attendees to explore avenues for growing US-China partnerships on the local and state level.

Panel speakers – Holly Yang, Senior Vice President & Partner, Kidder Mathews; Jing DiPiero, Founder/CEO, DPR Consulting; Allison Clark, Managing Director of Business Development, WA State Department of Commerce; and Kendee Yamaguchi, Executive Director, Snohomish County Executive Office – discussed how their leadership roles in commercial real estate, healthcare technology, business development, and public service actively shape the US-China relationship from Washington State.

Facilitated by WSCRC board member Annamarie Larson, attorney at K&L
Gates, the Q&A session addressed long-term trends in the US-China business relationship, as well as the experiences of WA state businesses working in China and with Chinese partners. In answering an audience question about the role of women in leadership, the panel encouraged professional women to help each other achieve their goals and emphasized the importance of having a seat at the table in decision-making.  PACCAR Director of Sales Operations Sharon Sidoine concluded the program and invited attendees to mingle over refreshments.

WSCRC extends special thanks to WSCRC board members Yuping Wang of Davis Wright Tremaine as venue host and Sharon Sidoine of PACCAR for furnishing refreshments.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu

 

On July 10, 2018 the Washington State China Relations Council held a panel discussion on the growth of China’s philanthropic sector. Three speakers affiliated with the Richard Rockefeller Fellowship, dedicated to fostering emerging Chinese leadership in the development of strategic philanthropy in China, detailed the rise of philanthropy in China and its global implications for the sector.

Emily Weaver, who manages the Richards Rockefeller Fellowship, discussed the development of the sector over the last decade and opportunities for future growth. Danxi Shen, a Richard Rockefeller Fellow and the deputy secretary general at Sany Foundation, remarked that the current generation of Chinese philanthropists pursue an “investment-oriented approach that yields tangible results.” Oma Lee, a Richard Rockefeller Fellow and consultant, detailed the Domestic Charity Law and the INGO Law that have impacted China’s philanthropic sector. Following their presentation, moderator Victor Kuo directed the conversation towards how these changes affect social innovation in the United States and around the world.

WSCRC welcomed a diverse array of attendees, including nonprofit leaders, business executives, and members of the greater Seattle area community. The wide-ranging perspectives of audience members made for a lively and informative Q&A session. WSCRC looks forward to future programming surrounding philanthropy and social innovation.

WSCRC extends special thanks to WSCRC board member Ada Danelo and Garvey Schubert Barer for hosting the panel discussion.

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu

Organizers: Washington State China Relations Council, Snohomish County, Economic Alliance of Snohomish County

 

On June 22, 2018, the Washington State China Relations Council (“WSCRC”), Snohomish County, and the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (“EASC”) in collaboration with the City of Everett, Port of Everett and US-China Aviation Friendship Association jointly convened a roundtable at the Port of Everett on advanced manufacturing between the US and China. A delegation from the Investment Promotion Agency of the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”), as well as representatives from the Washington State Commerce Department and Snohomish County government offices and businesses, discussed ways to strengthen economic partnerships and future collaboration between China and Washington State. This was the first high-level meeting of its kind centered on trade, technology, and advanced manufacturing in Snohomish County. WSCRC President Mercy Kuo served as the roundtable moderator.

MOFCOM Machinery Department Director Ruochen Lin explained the rapid pace of China’s economic advancement over the past couple of decades, focusing specifically on the country’s infrastructure development and rising consumer demand. Charting the course of these changes using China’s high-speed rail system and online transaction practices as examples, he encouraged further US investment  and market presence in the Chinese economy. He concluded his presentation by inviting Washington manufacturers to the China International Import Expo, to be held in Shanghai in November.

Snohomish County was represented well by County Executive Dave Somers, Mayor of Everett Cassie Franklin, Port of Everett Director Walter Siedl, District 3 Council President Stephanie Wright, and President & CEO of EASC Patrick Pierce. Washington State Department of Commerce was represented by ICT Sector Lead Joseph Williams. Their remarks covered the history of Snohomish County as a leader in international trade, as well as the welcoming environment for further partnerships between the US and China in the county. Leaders from businesses such as MTorres and UniEnergy Technologies, both based in Everett, spoke about their interest in working with Chinese companies and the global market for their products. After an informative Q&A session, representatives from Snohomish County exchanged gifts with the MOFCOM delegation.

 

Summary Author: Mengyao Liu