An array of leading economists and China experts explored rising economic tension between the United States and China at a daylong conference hosted by CSIS on Tuesday, January 13. Four panels focused on the politics of U.S. China economic and trade relations, China's investment environment, key issues in U.S.-China bilateral trade relations, and U.S.-China interaction on the global economic stage. Mr. Charles Freeman, Deputy Assistant to U.S. Trade Representative also delivered an off the record keynote address. "Despite improving political ties, U.S.-China relations have entered a new phase where trade, economics, and finance - traditionally considered among the most positive and beneficial aspects of the relationship - have increasingly become matters of dispute and friction," said Bates Gill, CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies.

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.       Registration

9:00 – 9:15 a.m.       Welcoming Remarks

The Honorable Carla A. Hills, Former U.S. Trade Representative (invited)

9:15 – 10:45 a.m.           Panel 1: Politics of U.S.-China Economic, Trade and Business Relations

Mr. Kevin Nealer, The Scowcroft Group

Politics of U.S. economic and trade engagement with China, past and present

Dr. Robert Kapp, U.S.-China Business Council

Overview of current economic and business issues in U.S.-China relations

Ms. Susan Lawrence, Far East Economic Review

Watching Beijing from Washington and current domestic politics influencing China policy

Moderator: The Honorable Carla A. Hills, Former U.S. Trade Representative (invited)

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.   Coffee break

11:00 – 12:30 p.m.   Panel 2: China’s Investment Environment

Mr. Hugh Peyman, Research Works, Shanghai

Changes that flow from economic reform and how this impacts growth and the investment environment

                              Dr. David Dollar, The World Bank Group

Chinese efforts at macroeconomic reform and their prospects

                              Mr. Daniel Rosen, Institute of International Economics 

                              Problems and prospects of China’s evolving marketplace

Moderator: Mr. Jeremy Mark, Deputy Division Chief, IMF

12:30 – 1:00 p.m.     Lunch served in B-1 Conference Room

1:00 – 1:45 p.m.       Keynote speaker:

Mr. Charles Freeman, Deputy Assistant to U.S. Trade Representative, USTR

1:45 – 3:15 p.m.       Panel 3: Key Issues in U.S.-China Bilateral Trade Relations

Mr. Myron Brilliant, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Challenges and opportunities for U.S. businesses operating in China and their perspectives on China’s WTO compliance efforts

Dr. Nicholas Lardy, Institute of International Economics

Reviewing the U.S.-China trade deficit and assessing China’s openness

Dr. Stephen Roach, Morgan Stanley (invited)

Assessment of the RMB valuation issue and U.S.-China trade deficit

Moderator: Mr. Sherman Katz, William M. Scholl Chair in International Business, CSIS

3:15 – 3:30 p.m.       Coffee break

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.             Panel 4: The United States and China’s Interaction in the Global Economy

Mr. Pieter Bottelier, SAIS, former advisor for East Asia, World Bank

Addressing China’s growing economic dominance, its impact on the regional and global economy

Dr. Margaret Pearson, University of Maryland

Implications of China’s growing economic reach

Dr. Ellen Frost, Institute of International Economics

U.S. response to China’s emergence as a global economic player

Moderator: Dr. Bates Gill, Freeman Chair in China Studies, CSIS