Amb. Katherine Tai Study Group: U.S. Trade with China – Just the Facts, Please

Study Group with Ambassador Katherine Tai: U.S. Trade with China – Just the Facts, Please

Almost exactly four years ago, I gave a speech as U.S. Trade Representative on the challenges in U.S.-China trade, recognizing that: “the U.S.-China trade and economic relationship is one of profound consequence. As the two largest economies in the world, how we relate to each other does not just affect our two economies. It impacts the entire world and billions of workers.” 

That statement remains true today. And yet, the dynamics in this relationship are also arguably more fraught and unpredictable than they have ever been. Multiple actual and threatened tariff hikes of up to 145 percent; three high profile negotiations in Geneva, London, and Madrid; and two surprise deals on semiconductors and TikTok later, it also seems more unclear than ever what the problems are that the two sides are trying to solve.

This week, our study group session will examine: What is really going on in China’s economy and in the bilateral trade relationship? What are the critical policy and political blind spots in our current discourse here in the United States? And what is at stake for the rest of the world and its workers?

GUEST: Keith Bradsher, Beijing Bureau Chief, The New York Times

AUDIENCE: These conversations are open to members of the Harvard community. Please RSVP with a valid Harvard email address. 

OFF-THE-RECORD: In keeping with our long tradition at the IOP to ensure honest and candid discussions of politics, all IOP study groups are off-the-record.