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Washington State China Relations Council

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Apr 18 2018

WSCRC 38th Annual Gala 2018

On March 28, 2018, members and friends of the Washington State China Relations Council gathered for the 38th Annual Gala in Seattle. An outstanding line-up of speakers representing the many facets of US-China relations addressed approximately 270 audience members with insight and counsel, imparting a deeper understanding and appreciation for the remarkable history of US-China-Washington state relations since the inception of the WSCRC 39 years ago. The keynote conversation between Ambassador Gary Locke and Admiral Samuel Locklear explored fundamental questions on the balance of competition and cooperation between the US and China.

Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins welcomed the audience, citing the chart-topping numbers of passengers travelling to and from China through the Port of Seattle and the huge volume of Washington goods being exported to China through Washington’s seaports. Calkins expressed optimism that the efforts of “strong leaders in congress and the business community will prevail against the current wave of protectionism. We look forward to continuing to work with the Council to fortify the state’s strategic position in the US-China dialogue.”

WSCRC chairman Andrew Wilson emphasized the importance of mutual benefit and reciprocity with the knowledge that “there are different opportunities and different needs” as we enter a new phase of US-Chinese competition and cooperation.

Yang Yihang, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the People’s Republic of China Consulate General in San Francisco, shared Beijing’s perspective on US-China affairs. Notably, Mr. Yang underscored China’s intention to ease restrictions in sectors such as finance, telecom, medicine, and education in the coming year, which marks the 40th anniversary of China’s open market reforms. “The US and China share a very important and mutually beneficial economic relationship. We may have competition, but we don’t have to be rivals; instead, we should strive to be partners.”

Snohomish County executive Dave Somers elaborated on the significance of favorable relations with China at the local level. China is the county’s top export market for both aerospace and agriculture products, making it one of the nation’s most vulnerable regions to trade disruptions. Snohomish County has been collaborating closely with the WSCRC to enhance strategic engagement with China.

WSCRC co-founder and first president Bob Anderson was the honored recipient of the 2018 Sidney Rittenberg Award. Stan Barer, 2016 recipient of the award, described Mr. Anderson as, “the number one advocate in government of this state for trade,” while WSCRC president Mercy Kuo expressed that the “wisdom, vision and legacy of Bob Anderson deeply shapes the Council even to this day.”

Marianne Duong, head of public affairs for Starbucks across Asia, discussed the growth of the Starbucks n China, which serves over six million Chinese customers weekly and opens a new Starbucks store every 15 hours. Duong outlined how Starbucks is integrating the concept of “social gifting,” including care of employee families, stewardship of the next generation of leaders and elevation of coffee farmers and their coffee into the company’s comprehensive China strategy.

Bob Ormond of GX International discussed the brand’s massive investment project in Hangzhou, stressing GX’s commitment to the idea that “business will always find a way to succeed.”

Nelson Dong of Dorsey & Whitney introduced keynote speakers Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III and Ambassador Gary Locke, whose years of public service have spanned 39 and 32 years, respectively. Dong provided context for their remarks by citing statistics which illustrate the significance of the Indo-Pacific region to international security and well-being: “More than half of global GDP is produced in this region, one third of global shipping must traverse the South China Sea, more than one quarter of all US exports flow into this region. Half of the world’s population, as well as 11 of the world’s 15 largest militaries are in this region. These are the issues that keep admirals and ambassadors awake at night.”

Gary Locke opened with commentary on current policy discussions in Washington, D.C., and how they will ostensibly affect the nation, providing a counter-perspective on the efficacy of tariffs in accomplishing US economic objectives. Locke opined that recent developments such as harsh tariffs on steel and aluminum might make impressive headlines, but will almost certainly do more harm than good to the US economy.

Locklear shared seasoned perspectives on the US historical role in Asia as well as his outlook on key issues that will influence future relations. China’s controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for example, is a development that Locklear does “not view with concern or animosity,” pointing out that from China’s perspective, the BRI makes sense as it addresses many pent-up demands that need to be serviced. Rather than being intimidated, Locklear advised that US industry should view this as another form of competition in which they must compete. While it will be impossible that both sides always win in a competitive situation, Locklear emphasized the fact that there is absolutely no benefit for either the US or China to have a disagreement that would lead to military confrontation.

The implications for US-China relations of President Xi Jinping’s elevation within China’s government and the removal of term limits proved to be a key point of discussion. With a general attitude of, “wait and see,” Locklear noted that Xi has the huge task of grasping the complexities of governing a nation which is a result of an ‘economic miracle’ which is now maturing. Locklear sees Xi’s centralization of the military as a generally positive change that could help stabilize US-China leadership in Asia. Locke called attention to the collaboration and cooperation which have, contrary to common belief, characterized the military to military relationship between the two nations.

Locklear appreciated the frank dialogue that he witnessed at top levels of both militaries: “Realistically, you cannot have a relationship with someone you’re not talking to, and the last people you want not talking to each other are the people with the guns.” It will not be easy for China and the US to exist in the same sphere now that the two nations are at comparable levels of power and influence, but through sustained dialogue and compromise, Locklear believes that we will be able to effectively make headway on challenging issues in a way that avoids serious miscalculations that could result in military confrontation. In terms of the North Korean crisis, Locklear is hopeful that relations will improve through current negotiations.

Special thanks to WSCRC Platinum and Gold members and to emcee Marc Berger for a successful and enjoyable WSCRC 38th Annual Gala.

Written by · Tagged: competition, cooperation, reciprocity, tariffs, trade, US-China relations

Feb 09 2018

WSCRC Appoints 11 New Board Directors

SEATTLE, WA, February 8, 2018 –The Washington State China Relations Council (WSCRC) is pleased to announce the appointment of nine new additions to the WSCRC Board of Directors. Each newly-appointed director will contribute their unique expertise and perspective in strategically positioning WSCRC in advancing Washington state’s leadership role in US-China relations.

The newly-added board directors include:

Avik Bhattycharya, Director of International Strategy & Business Development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes

Ryan Calkins, Commissioner, Port of Seattle

Sean Connell, Director of Business Development and Global Competitiveness, Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County

Norwell Coquillard, President of Cargill Japan (1989-1997); Cargill China (1998-2009)

Ada Danelo, Associate, Garvey Schubert Barer

Marianne Duong, Head of Public Affairs & Global Communications, China / Asia Pacific region, Starbucks Coffee Company

Annamarie Larson, Associate, K&L Gates

Rebecca Lovell, Acting Director, Office of Economic Development, City of Seattle

Shaosong Ou, Senior Lecturer of Information Systems, Foster School of Business, University of Washington

Carlton Vann, International Business Development Director, Office of Economic Development, City of Seattle

Kendee Yamaguchi, Executive Director, Snohomish County Executive Office

“These additions greatly enrich our board with further breadth of background, and are a part of our affirmative efforts to increase board diversity and representation across the entire state of Washington”, commented board Chair T. Andrew Wilson.

“WSCRC welcomes the robust expansion of the Council’s board with these new directors, whose individual insights and and expertise will further advance WSCRC’s leadership in facilitating constructive collaboration between Washington State and China,” affirmed WSCRC President Mercy Kuo.

About the Washington State China Relations Council

The Washington State China Relations Council is the nation’s oldest statewide organization dedicated to promoting stronger commercial, educational, and cultural engagement with China. The WSCRC has actively worked for over 40 years and their membership is comprised of over 100 companies, financial institutions, ports, municipal governments, institutions of higher education, and cultural organizations. Learn more at: https://wscrc.org/

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Mar 18 2017

WSCRC 37th ANNUAL BANQUET HIGHLIGHTS

WSCRC convened its 37th Annual Banquet on March 15, 2017 at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle. More than 260 guests representing key sectors – aerospace, agriculture, architecture, banking, bio-tech, clean-tech, hi-tech, investment, law, manufacturing, real estate, shipping, etc. – as well as national, state and local government attended the event. Watch video highlights here.

The program began with welcome remarks from Port of Seattle Commission President Tom Albro, who introduced newly-appointed WSCRC Chairman Andy Wilson. The new chairman outlined WSCRC’s new vision to amplify Washington state’s national voice and visibility on the role of Washington state in US-China trade relations and more broadly, advocate equitable globalization. Andy Wilson then introduced newly-appointed WSCRC President Mercy A. Kuo.

The banquet featured keynote speaker Ambassador Carla A. Hills – Chairman and CEO, Hills & Company International Consultants; Chair, National Committee on U.S.-China Relations; Co-Chair, Council on Foreign Relations; and U.S. Trade Representative (1989-1993) – addressed the future of US-China trade relations. Ambassador Gary Locke introduced Ambassador Hills and then both ambassadors exchanged their views on the new US administration’s plans to renegotiate North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and reconsider the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

When asked what would happen if the US decides to circumvent rules in the WTO and exercise American sovereignty, Ambassador Hills replied, “If we tear up the WTO, we would be out in the jungle! The law of the jungle would preside. Our average tariffs are two percent. Some countries we trade with put 50 percent tariffs on US products. If we did not have WTO rules to protect us, then they would retaliate, and we would counter. We would be in a very bad situation with trade wars brewing, and the economy would be a mess.”

Ambassador Hills underscored four critical factors in the framing the future of US-China trade relations: 

  • 1) Explain the trade facts to the public, so public can judge based on fact, not fiction. Most American’s don’t know 80 percent of our trade is through global supply chains. Twenty years ago, East Asia had about two-thirds of our deficit. Today, China has become the major player in East Asia supply chain. Sixty percent of US imports are intermediate goods that make our exports globally competitive.

 

  • 2) Convene high-level leadership meetings. The Strategic and Economic Dialogue is important and useful, but there should be higher-level meetings where both countries’ leaders can talk candidly about the solution to key issues.

 

  • 3) Enforce established rules. If we ignore the rules, why should any other nation abide by them.

 

  • 4) Increase skill training of workforce. Jobs need skilled workers, and tech has advanced our economy but does not give solace to laid off workers. Need to also develop better social programs to assist displaced workers.

Government representatives also shared their views on US-China trade relations:

Brian Surratt, Director of Economic Development, Office of the Mayor of Seattle highlighted the WSCRC’s role in preparing Mayor Ed Murray’s 2016 delegation to China, including key Chinese cities – Shenzhen and Hangzhou, and Hong Kong.  Surratt noted that Xiamen Airlines, Vanke (real estate developer), and BGI (world’s largest genome bank) have opened first offices in Seattle.

Brian Bonlender, Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, underscored that WSCRC is critical in these times of uncertainty in US-China relations. Since the United States entered WTO 20 years ago, now is a good time to review and improve our work around trade with China – intellectual property protection, state run companies are subject to regulations of private, environmental protection, and personal data protection.  Governor Jay Inslee has lifted the travel ban, drastically ramping up business development work for the state. Department of Commerce will be in 10 different countries around the world, and will implement international attraction and trade promotion plan. Washington state has led the country in export program. 71 opportunities and 6,000 jobs in business development.  Governor Jay Inslee is planning a visit to China in August. The Commerce Department in collaboration with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce are planning an inbound investment forum in fall 2017 in Seattle.

Yang Yihang, Economic and Commercial Counselor, People’s Republic of China Consulate General in San Francisco noted that in the past 30 years, economic relations between China and the United States have developed rapidly. In 2013, bilateral trade reached USD 519 billion – 207 times the volume of 1979. China has become the US’s biggest trade partner. In 2017, Chinese company’s direct investment in the US had increased 132 percent to USD 19.5 billion. US companies’ investment in China grew by 52 percent. Companies from both sides are optimistic. Counselor Yang emphasized that China – Washington economic relations are unique. In 2016, trade between China and Washington state reached USD 20 billion. In exports to China, Washington ranks first among US states. He affirmed that it is mutually beneficial for two sides to cooperate, and Washington state is leading the way.

Dr. Vikram Jandhyala, Vice President for Innovation Strategy at the University of Washington highlighted the University’s collaboration with Tsinghua University in China on Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) – a global incubator to develop in-depth perspective on technological innovation.

 

WSCRC also honored Robert A. Kapp with the Sidney Rittenberg Award for unique leadership in advancing US-China relations. Stanley Barer, co-founder of WSCRC, presented the Sidney Award to Bob Kapp for his service as WSCRC executive director from 1979-1987 and 1992-1994.

Written by · Tagged: China, economy, innovation, investment, jobs, NAFTA, TPP, trade, US, WTO

Mar 10 2017

Virtual Reality (VR) Global Partnership Reception

Co-hosted by the Washington State China Relations Council (WSCRC) and Ant Angel Incubator, VR Global Partnership Reception brought together VR industry entrepreneurs from Seattle and Shenzhen. Under WSCRC’s Investment and Innovation rubric, this reception provided a platform for Chinese and American business leaders to exchange innovative ideas and to explore future collaboration, with special focus on Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. Attendees included Studio216, Null Space VR, VR Studios, Vridge, and UW Commotion VR.

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Feb 15 2017

WASHINGTON STATE CHINA RELATIONS COUNCIL TO EXPAND REACH WITH NEW CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT

MEDIA CONTACT:

Marc Berger, Executive Committee Member, Washington State China Relations Council

Marc.Berger@nyhus.com

206-323-3733 (mobile) 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

WASHINGTON STATE CHINA RELATIONS COUNCIL TO EXPAND REACH WITH NEW CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT

 

Seattle, WA (February 15, 2017) — The Washington State China Relations Council is pleased to announce the appointments of T. Andrew Wilson as Chairman and Mercy A. Kuo as President. Under the leadership of the newly-appointed chairman and president, the WSCRC will leverage its nearly four-decade-long legacy of building Washington State’s cooperation with China to further fortify the State’s strategic position in the U.S.-China dialogue. As the new U.S. administration navigates U.S.-China relations at this critical juncture, balanced leadership and advocacy in advancing constructive bilateral engagement is more important than ever.

 

Built from more than 30 years of experience in Asian business, Andrew Wilson has led many projects, investments, and in-country operations in China.  He was responsible for a transformational change in how foreign companies operate in China and collaborate with the government on industrial reform. He led a landmark 4-year project that reformed an industrial sector through direct work within the predecessor to China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). His teams have built a succession of benchmark accomplishments in China, including expanded rights for foreign companies, the expansion of retail chains, manufacturing operations, and an unprecedented $1.2 billion acquisition, merger and investment in the Chinese consumer sector.

 

Wilson recently concluded more than three years leading global innovation partnerships at Intellectual Ventures, including development and management of Intellectual Ventures’ many innovation projects with Chinese partners.  He has served as WSCRC Vice-Chairman, Finance Committee chair and Executive Committee member since joining the Council in 2013.

 

“I passionately believe that economic, social, and cultural engagement are far from a zero-sum exercise — the best policies benefit all parties. Today the mission of the WSCRC is more valuable than ever. At this sensitive moment in U.S.-China relations, many assumptions and bilateral policies are being challenged. I am confident that the WSCRC can play a critical role in inspiring both constructive dialogue and practical economic and cultural engagement between the countries,” said Andrew Wilson.

 

“As the top U.S. state exporter to China, Washington State is poised to play a pivotal role in U.S.-China relations at home and abroad. WSCRC is uniquely positioned to steward the state’s present and future leadership role in strengthening U.S.-China cooperation,” said Mercy Kuo in accepting her appointment.

 

Dr. Mercy A. Kuo authors a weekly column on U.S.-Asia policy at The Diplomat, an international affairs magazine for the Asia Pacific, and is advisory council member of the Asia Pacific Institute at the American Jewish Committee and advisory board member of CHINADebate. She was formerly managing director and director of research at the Committee of 100, a New York-based U.S.-China relations leadership organization founded by I.M. Pei and Yo-Yo Ma. Prior to joining C-100, she was senior project director and director of the Southeast Asia Studies and Strategic Asia Programs at a U.S.-based foreign policy think tank.

Dr. Kuo formerly served in the U.S. Government as an Asian affairs analyst specializing in Northeast and Southeast Asian political, security and military issues. She holds a Ph.D. in Modern History from Oxford University and authored Contending with Contradictions: China’s Policy towards Soviet Eastern Europe and the Origins of the Sino-Soviet Split, 1953-1960 (Lexington Books 2001), “China’s Strategic Orientation: Assessing Alternative Futures,” China and International Security: History, Strategy, and 21st Century Policy, Vol. 3, (Praeger 2014), and various publications on U.S. Asia policy.

 

The Council will kick off 2017 with its Annual Banquet, Wednesday, March 15 at Bell Harbor International Conference Center. The featured keynote speaker Ambassador Carla Hills – Chairman and CEO of Hills & Company International Consultants and former United States Trade Representative (1989-1993) – will share her insights on the future of U.S.-China trade relations. WSCRC will also convene policy forums on key bilateral issues. Following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Seattle visit in 2015, WSCRC will further advance relationships with key Chinese cities Hangzhou, Shenzhen and others.

 

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About WSCRC:

Founded in 1979, the Washington State China Relations Council is the leading statewide organization dedicated to strengthening commercial, educational and cultural ties with China. With over 130 members – global companies in aerospace, banking, business, environment, government, innovation, industry, technology, research, among others – the Council facilitates dialogue and delegations with American and Chinese business and government leaders on key policy issues, including investment, trade, environment, diplomacy, etc. For more information, visit http://wscrc.org/.

 

 

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Washington State China Relations Council

Affiliated with The Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle

1301 5th Avenue, Suite 1500 Seattle, WA 98101-2611

Tel: (206) 441 - 4419

E-mail: info@wscrc.org

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