On November 13th – ahead of the much-anticipated Biden-Xi meeting in San Francisco – AmCham China hosted an exclusive discussion with Scott Kennedy, senior adviser and Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), around the topic: Unfragile Stability: The Sources of Improved US-China Relations.
AmCham China President Michael Hart attended the event and introduced Scott Kennedy before he began his briefing.
Recent Progress in US-China Relations
Kennedy noted that during the past 14 months, a positive shift has occurred between the two nations, overcoming the grim mood of the previous year. Specifically he highlighted improved rhetoric, increased communication, business adaptations, and a notable decrease in concerns about decoupling and war. The overall outlook reflects a more optimistic trajectory compared to the tensions of 2017-2018.
Factors Contributing to US-China Relations:
According to Kennedy, recent improvements in US-China relations can be attributed to a sense of strategic advantage perceived by the US, driven by domestic investments and strengthened alliances. China faces challenges from both internal economic issues and external conflicts, leading to a recognition of the need for stability. The upcoming year appears stable, but potential political changes in the US could influence the trajectory. Overall stability focuses more on avoiding conflicts than fostering extensive cooperation.