In October 2025, Washington state leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society convened at Washington State China Relations Council’s U.S.-China Symposium to assess the implications of U.S.-China relations for Washington’s economy and global engagement. Participants highlighted how national policy decisions have imposed real economic costs on the state while often falling short of their strategic goals. Speakers emphasized Washington’s exposure as a globally integrated economy—anchored in ports and logistics, aerospace, agriculture, technology, and research universities—and underscored the value of subnational engagement, pragmatic diplomacy, and policies that prioritize resilience, innovation, and openness over exclusion.
WSCRC, in partnership with the Quincy Institute, produced a summary report capturing the symposium’s key insights and recommendations.
Key policy recommendations include:
- Encourage more balanced rhetoric.
- Encourage constructive engagement through sub-national exchanges.
- Invest in American competitiveness in infrastructure, innovation, and scientific openness.
- Lower or remove tariffs.
- Include more stakeholders in U.S.-China policy formation.
- Encourage joint ventures and open investment with China as an alternative to mutual protectionism.
- Expand supply chain resilience and diversification.
WSCRC sincerely appreciates Quincy Institute’s partnership in supporting the symposium and the development of this report.
