In the past q
uarter, the tensions between U.S. and China shows no sign of easing, especially after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit. Despite the harsh environment, the Council—in cooperation with its educational arm, the Washington State China Relations Fund—continues to produce programs in an effort to present a more nuanced picture of the U.S.-China relationship. In this report, we analyzed some of the big news in the U.S.-China relationship since in the last three months. We also provided an update on the WA-China trade interactions, including the China International Import Expo and Boeing’s strategy with the Chinese market.
WSCRC Hosts a Timely Discussion on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
On September 28, the WSCRC hosted a timely and important discussion to unpack the complexities of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) with three experts in the subject matter. Our panelists included Augustine Lo, senior attorney at Dorsey and Whitney LLP, and Ted Henderson, Director Customs for the United States at Expeditors. The discusson was moderated by Nelson Dong, Partner at the Dorsey and Whitney.
The UFLPA was signed into Law by President Biden in December 2021 in response to allegations of the use of forced labor in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. A new guidance was issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, CBP, in June. These changes are of critical importance for anyone who does business in China, handles trade, and/or has supply chains that include Chinese companies. Xinjiang is among the world’s major sources for cotton, polysilicon, and many other goods that are commonplace in the U.S. market. The new guidance introduces significant uncertainty and challenges to the trade community because of the unprecedented scope of the imports that may become targeted for the new enforcement measures.
Our speakers discussed the UFLPA’s requirements, CBP’s implementation and enforcement, best practices for business compliance, and the law’s implications for international trade and U.S.-China relations.
Click below to watch the discussion.
Paul Triolo Talks about Semiconductors and its Important Role in U.S.-China Relations
On September 26, Paul Triolo, Senior Vice President for China and Technology Policy Lead at Albright Stonebridge Group discussed the contentious role that semiconductors play in the U.S.- China Relationship and global geopolitical landscape. A recognized expert in global technology, Paul provided a comprehensive and yet in-depth anyalsyis of the issue, inclulding the status and major players of the global semiconductor industry, the potential impacts of the recently passed CHIPS Act on U.S. semiconductor production and national security concerned related to China, and the outsized role that Taiwan plays in the global industry and the ramifications of any disruption of the Taiwanese semiconductor on global supply chains. Paul also examined the growth of the Chinese semiconductor industry and assess its role in the global landscape.
Click below to watch the webinar recording.
The Hon. Kevin Rudd Speaks to WSCRC Members and Friends about His New Book “The Avoidable War”
On July 26, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia and President and CEO of the Asia Society, received a very warm welcome in Seattle at a book talk event for his new book “The Avoidable War: the Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict between the US and Xi Jinping’s China.” This event was co-sponsored by the Washington State China Relations Council, the China Studies Program and the East Asia Center at the University of Washington, and the World Affairs Council of Seattle.
After briefly reviewing the history and the current status of the U.S.-China relationship, the Hon. Rudd explained “ten concentric circles of interest,” which he believes critical to understanding Xi’s worldview and long-term strategy towards the U.S. Among the ten circles which were developed by PM Rudd as he prepared this book, the politics of staying in power, national unity, and ensuring economic prosperity are among Xi’s top priorities. To improve a relationship that has been damaged by mistrust and misperceptions, Mr. Rudd suggested a “managed strategic competition” framework to prevent further attrition of the relationship and a possible catastrophic war. Mr. Rudd also addressed issues related to China’s economic model, Taiwan, and how the two countries can work together to combat pandemics like Covid.
We’d like to thank Nelson Dong, Partner at Dorsey & Whitney and a board member of the WSCRC, for moderating the discussion and providing the event venue.
The First SuperApp: Inside China’s WeChat and the New Digital Revolution
The author of The First SuperApp: Inside China’s WeChat and the New Digital Revolution (“SuperApp”), Kevin Shimota, spoke to an WSCRC/WSCRF audience on July 13 to provide background and an explanation of many of the key premises of his new book about the Chinese app “WeChat.” “SuperApp” was released to the public on July 5th and our session was Kevin’s first official book talk since the launch of the book.
In the session, Kevin, a Bellingham native, traced his journey from UW to his role as International Market Development Manager for the Tencent app WeChat. Kevin regaled us with the history of how the app grew from a simple communication tool to what is undoubtedly among the most used apps in the world today—a veritable “SuperApp.” In addition, Kevin talked about the attributes that he would assign to a “superapp” and discussed why so many companies are trying to create such a product.
The book talk can be viewed on the WSCRC YouTube channel.
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