This report provides a summary of our work carried out in the second half of 2019, along with membership update. In addition to our regular events and programs, the WSCRC celebrated its 40th anniversary on October 24, 2019. Over 300 people including many dignitaries participated in the event which paid tribute to the Council’s long history of working to improve relations between Washington State and China. We were excited to host two former U.S. Ambassadors to China, Ambassador Max Baucus and Ambassador Stapleton Roy. Both provided timely insights on the current state of U.S.-China relations. The gala opened with notes of congratulations offered by the Lt. Governor of Washington State, Cyrus Habib, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and the Economic and Commercial Council of the People’s Republic of China, Yihang Yang.

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The year 2019 not only marks the 40th anniversary of normalization of the diplomatic relationships between the U.S. and China, but also the founding of the Washington State China Relations Council (WSCRC), the oldest state-level organization devoted to supporting and strengthening economic, social, and cultural ties with China. Over the last four decades, the Council has played a key role in forging a strong and resilient relationship with China, as a thought leader in the bilateral relationships, a convener of high quality programming activities, highly effective resource and point of contact to connect our members with our partners both in Washington state and China, as well as an advocate for our members to advance their top priorities.

While our relationship with China is constantly growing and changing, we clearly stand at the brink of a new chapter in the bilateral relationship and in China’s role in the global community. The current U.S.-China trade dispute has had significant adverse impacts on Washington state. More than ever, strengthening the partnership between China and the U.S. is crucial. It’s critical for the WSCRC to honor our legacy and work closely with our members and partners to face these challenges and create opportunities for a stronger and mutually-beneficial relationship.

In the first half of 2019, we have worked with our members and partners on a number of high level programs to help our community understand key U.S.-China related issues with a particular focus on trade. The Council has also gone through a leadership transition, welcoming both a new chair and executive director. This mid-year report provides a summary of the work carried out the first half of 2019, along with leadership and membership updates.

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