WSCRC

Washington State China Relations Council

Book Talk | Middle Class Shanghai: Reshaping U.S.-China Engagement

Cheng Li’s Middle-Class Shanghai argues that American policymakers must not lose sight of the expansive dynamism and diversity in present-day China. The caricature of the PRC as a monolithic Communist apparatus set on exporting its ideology and development model is simplistic and misguided. Drawing on empirical research in the realms of higher education, avant-garde art, architecture, and law, this unique study highlights the strong, constructive impact of bilateral exchanges.

Watch the book talk recordings here.

In Remembrance of Stan Barer

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 40th 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.

Washington Entrepreneur Returns to China to Craft Motorcycle Helmets

The U.S. China Business Council (USCBC), in coordination with the WSCRC, has interviewed a number of WSCRC member companies to understand the importance of the China market to these firms, as part of its “50 States, 50 Stories” initiative. The fifth of the Washington State story is with WSCRC member, Jeanne DeMund, who owns a business that combined business manufacturing skills and her marketing savvy.

Read the full article here.

WSCRC Produces its First China Quarterly Report

Welcome to the Washington State China Relations Council’s first “China Quarterly Report.” The intent of this communique is to provide timely and important information about U.S.-China relations, key developments of interest and relevance in China, and an update on the progress of local entities in their interactions with China. The Council – drawing upon its 42-year history, knowledge, and resources – is well positioned to track, analyze, and report on the Pacific Northwest’s important economic, cultural, and educational relationship with China. We hope this report, coupled with other works of the Council, provide key resources for industry leaders, government officials and their staff.

Read the full report.

“Adding an American Touch to China’s Tech Headquarters” – the Story of GX Architecture & Design

The U.S. China Business Council (USCBC), in coordination with the WSCRC, has interviewed a number of WSCRC member companies to understand the importance of the China market to these firms, as part of its “50 States, 50 Stories” initiative. The fourth of the Washington State story is with Seattle-based GX Architecture & Design Consulting Service, Inc. (GX). In the interview, Bob Ormond, Senior Vice President and COO of the company advised the readers to take the long(er) view when working with the Chinese based on his and his company’s experience working throughout Asia. Mr. Ormond also praised the role of state level U.S.-China trade groups like the WSCRC which helps companies like his with business transactions and policy and strategy advice.

Read the full article “Adding an American Touch to China’s Tech Headquarters“.

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