Although people-to-people ties have played a key role in the U.S.-China relationship, those ties are now very close to unraveling, write Cheng Li and Ryan McElveen. They argue that the costs of eliminating educational and cultural exchanges far outweigh the benefits.
In advance of the presidential election, Ryan Hass writes that the Trump administration's policy towards China, which sought to slow China's progress and pressure China's leaders to become more responsive to American priorities, has not achieved its aspirations.
John L. Thornton China Center scholars Richard Bush, David Dollar, Jamie Horsley, Cheng Li, and Ryan McElveen join the Brookings Foreign Policy program in sharing concrete policy proposals for the incoming president, including joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership and the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, restoring the Peace Corps and Fulbright programs in China, and deepening trade ties with Taiwan.
On October 15, the John L. Thornton China Center hosted an online discussion with a bipartisan group of policymakers exploring how leading political figures at the federal, state, and local levels of U.S. government weigh the risks and opportunities of their actions and positions on China.
On October 19, Brookings hosted a webinar featuring Rep. Adam Schiff, chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, who discussed a recent Intelligence Committee report arguing for a fundamental realignment of the U.S. intelligence community in order for the country to more effectively compete with China on the global stage.
Schiff's remarks were followed by a panel discussion on the final installment of the Global China project, where experts examined China's approach to international development and law, financial institutions and trade, and other global governance issues.
China's view of Trump. Rush Doshi writes that while Chinese leaders may want a reprieve from President Trump's aggressiveness, they also believe that he has weakened American power, encouraging Beijing to challenge Washington around the world.
Changing attitudes towards the mainland in Taiwan. As part of the Taiwan-U.S. Quarterly Analysis series, Ryan Hass interviews Shelley Rigger, who offered analysis of changing attitudes in Taiwan toward the Chinese mainland.
Digital trade. On an episode of the Dollar & Sense podcast, Joshua P. Meltzer joins David Dollar to discuss the global competition to govern digital trade, which has become a key arena in U.S.-China relations.
Trump's effort to curb China's rise. In the Washington Post, Ryan Hass said that "there are costs and consequences to pursuing a chaotic, flood-the-zone approach to China. You need to set priorities and develop a sequence of actions to achieve them," adding that Xi Jinping is "the most ruthless, coldblooded calculator of his national interests that I've ever met."
Building a stronger U.S.-Taiwan relationship. As part of a task force convened by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Richard Bush, Ryan Hass, and other experts detail the trends that affect economic, defense, and diplomatic aspects of U.S. policy toward Taiwan.
The future of Indo-Pacific defense strategy. In a report published by CNAS, Lindsey Ford argues that the 2022 National Defense Strategy should sustain the Indo-Pacific as the priority theater by modernizing U.S. military training and force posture, as well as strengthen regional alliances.
About the China Center
The John L. Thornton China Centerdevelops timely, independent analysis and policy recommendations to help U.S. and Chinese leaders address key long-term challenges, both in terms of U.S.-China relations and China's internal development.
A note on the Brookings response to COVID-19
The Brookings Institution campus in Washington, D.C. will be closed through at least January 4, 2021. For more information, read our full guidance here. As Brookings experts continue to assess the global impacts of COVID-19, read the latest analysis and policy recommendations at our coronavirus page or stay up to date with our coronavirus newsletter.
The Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
