Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), who addressed WSCRC audiences on three occasions in 2021, recently updated his China White Paper. Larsen’s recent white paper builds on his December 2019 edition, including new priorities and recommendations while retaining the framework of the original White Paper. In his paper Larsen calls upon Congress and the Biden administration to think more broadly about its ‘China agenda.’ Instead of thinking defensively, the U.S. needs to have a proactive agenda that increases U.S. competitiveness,” said Larsen, co-founder and co-chair of the U.S.-China Working Group (USCWG).

Read a copy of the newly updated White Paper here.

Dear WSCRC Members and Friends,

It is with great sadness that the Washington State China Relations Council informs you of the passing of Stan Barer, one of the founding members of the Council who was instrumental in improving the U.S.-China relationship. Stan passed away peacefully on the eve of Dec. 13 after courageously battling pancreatic cancer for more than a decade.

Stan was born in Walla Walla, Washington, where his father ran a scrap metal business. He received both his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Washington. He served as legal counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce in 1963, 1964, and 1967, Assistant U.S. Attorney in Seattle from 1965 to 1967, and then Chief of Staff to Washington State U.S. Senator Warren Magnuson between 1969 and 1974.

After leaving public service, he became a name partner in the law firm Garvey Schubert & Barer in 1974 and even after his retirement he continued to serve as the firm’s Counsel. In 1979, Stan Barer developed legal strategy and negotiated the resumption of trade between the U.S. and China after a 30-year hiatus, leading to the arrival of COSCO’s M.V. Liu Lin Hai at the Port of Seattle on April 18, 1979. It was in that year that Stan, along with four other civic and business leaders, founded the Washington State China Relations Council. At an interview to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the arrival of M.V. Liu Lin Hai, Stan said that “China has been an important part of my life, and that has been a joy.” To honor his extraordinary contributions to U.S.-China relations over the decades, the Council presented him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

Stan co-founded Saltchuk, a diversified transportation and distribution company, in 1982 and served as Chairman until 1994. He became Chairman Emeritus in 2001.

The Council is honored to have been graced by Stan’s legacy, wisdom, guidance, and service over the years. Our hearts and thoughts are with Stan’s family and loved ones. Stan’s memorable and extraordinary life and accomplishments are described in this obituary on Seattle Times.