ALI Hosts Discussion on A Reset of China Policy
/
ALI members only event
Speakers:
Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (FL-07)
Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10)
Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)
Elizabeth Economy, Senior Advisor for China, U.S. Department of Commerce
Melanie Hart, China Policy Coordinator, Office of the Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment
ALI hosted an esteemed group of members of Congress and Administration representatives, together with thought leaders from the business and think tank communities to discuss a reset of U.S. policy towards China. All agreed on the urgency of passing USICA/Competes Act, and the importance of domestic investment as a key component of the U.S. being able to compete globally.
Discussants acknowledged the Administration’s work to rebuild trust with allies and the importance of that work to offer an alternative model to digital authoritarianism and to build viable alternatives to China’s Belt & Road project. The Administration’s response to China’s sanctions on Lithuania was hailed as a strong example of a “whole of government” response. Administration representatives stated that the Administration will release a comprehensive China policy shortly.
The group agreed that trade with China remains vital to the American economy, however it is important to sharpen the definition of which products fall into the national security category, and which technologies the U.S. needs to protect. Coordinating these rules with our allies is critical. Companies raised the some of the challenges they face while trying to nearshore or friendshore sourcing out of China.
The importance of U.S. soft power was also stressed, including providing of vaccinations and food aid. Despite the uncertainty over how to reshape globalization so it works for more people, the group felt optimistic on the opportunity for the US to lead and write the rules of the next century.
