Sean Stein is the Co-Chair of Covington and Burling’s China Public Policy Practice, advising international businesses on political risk, public affairs, communications, and US and China government relations. He regularly assists companies resolve acute or long-term issues in China and to navigate challenges caused by conflicting US and Chinese policies and perceptions. Sean provides strategic advice to US and international clients on market access, safety and security, risk, and compliance.
Prior to joining Covington, Sean served for nearly three decades as a US diplomat, including stints as Consul General in both Shanghai and Shenyang and in leadership positions at the former Consulate in Chengdu, the office of Chinese Affairs in Washington, DC, and various countries throughout the Asia Pacific region.
He also has a particularly long history of working with AmChams. In the early 2000s when the Sichuan authorities threatened to close the AmCham office in Chengdu, Sean helped negotiate an agreement that allowed it to continue to operate. Nearly a decade later, Sean supported the establishment of AmCham in NE China. His second term as Chair of AmCham Shanghai concludes at the end of this year. Now based in Beijing, Sean is looking forward to channeling his energy and experience to serve AmCham China and its members around the country.