What’s next for U.S.-China relations? A conversation with Kevin Rudd
A Jeffrey A. Bader Memorial Lecture

Friday, October 2, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: The Brookings Institution, Falk Auditorium, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

What lies ahead for U.S.-China relations? Following the latest summit between the two countries’ leaders, Washington and Beijing continue to face fundamental questions about how to manage competition, reduce the risk of conflict, and find areas of cooperation. What will shape the next phase of the relationship, and is a more stable footing possible?

On Friday, October 2, join the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings for a fireside chat with former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Drawing on his extensive experience as a policymaker, diplomat, and scholar of China, Rudd will reflect on the implications of the recent U.S.-China summit and discuss what to expect from the relationship in the years ahead.

The Jeffrey A. Bader Memorial Lecture is an annual series designed to bring renowned speakers to Brookings and foster candid conversations among participants, inform policy debates, and educate the public on critical issues facing the U.S.-China relationship. Jeffrey A. Bader was an esteemed member of the Brookings community from 2005 until his passing in 2023. He had a decades-long career spanning multiple administrations of both parties, serving in the U.S. Department of State, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and National Security Council. Through his dedicated public service, leadership, and mentorship of generations of policy officials and experts, Jeff was pivotal in shaping America’s approach to China and its strategy toward East Asia.