On March 15, the WSCRC hosted a conversation with two University of Washington faculty members on the crisis in Ukraine, Dr. David Bachman and Mr. Scott Montgomery. The discussion was moderated by WSCRC executive member Nelson Dong, who is an expert on sanctions and export controls.

The two panelists shared their views on the current tragic situation in Ukraine through the lens of the China-Russian relationship and evolving global security, energy and economic concerns. Their remarks were frank, at times poignant, and highly enlightening from a broader historical context. Professor Bachman noted that Chinese leaders had not expected the extent of Russia’s apparent lack of preparedness for the invasion and the rapidity in which the Western alliance mobilized to provide assistance and implement an unprecedented level of sanctions. The speakers highlighted the possible areas of friction in the Chinese-Russian relationship. It was only in early February that both sides celebrated a Sino-Russian relationship with “no limits.” Putin is now testing that relationship by requesting Chinese assistance. The Sino-Russian relationship was viewed as one means of undermining U.S. alliances in the Western Pacific. However, that relationship may now risk pushing China into isolation. Major geopolitical energy shifts were also discussed in the wake of western solidarity to impose Russian energy import bans. Questions of energy security were debated in light of energy transition dynamics potentially leading to faster adoption of non-carbon energy alternatives and shifting market outlets for Russian energy products.

Click here to rewatch the discussion.

Representative Adam Smith (WA 9) spoke to WSCRC and WSCRF audience on February 24^th, less than a day after Russia invaded Ukraine, on some of the key issues that cloud the current U.S.-China relationship: Russia-Ukraine conflict, Taiwan, discrimination against Asian Americans, and trade.

The Congressman emphatically noted that Putin must not succeed with his invasion as any success for Russia would embolden other countries to use force for territorial gain. He noted that this is an opportunity for China to use its leverage to stop Russia, but China might follow suit to use military might against Taiwan. Rep. Smith noted that he favors continued support for Taiwan and believes “strategic ambiguity” regarding the U.S. position on Taiwan is the right approach. Regarding bills in Congress to support American competitiveness, Congressman Smith expressed concern whether such legislation will be finalized. There was bi-partisan support in the Senate for the USICA bill, reaching compromise on a legislation to support critical U.S. infrastructure (e.g., semiconductors), however, may prove very difficult as the House version of this act passed on strictly partisan lines, implying a lack of consensus. When talking about trade, Rep. Smith commented that the U.S. lacks a trade policy for Asia and should  form trade partnerships, including joining the CPTPP, to compete against China. The Congressman also expressed concerns about unfair discrimination against Asian Americans, particularly in federal government agencies that require security clearances.

Click here to rewatch the webinar.