Exploring How Trade, Regulation, and Technology Are Redefining the U.S.–China Relationships

Description

Nearly a decade after the first wave of tariffs, the U.S.–China trade relationship remains one of deep interdependence and rising tension. What began as a dispute over trade imbalances and intellectual property has evolved into a far-reaching contest spanning technology, supply chains, and national security. This roundtable brings together trade lawyers, economists, and policy experts to unpack the shifting landscape of global commerce as both nations redefine their economic priorities. Panelists will explore how export controls, sanctions, and investment screening are changing the rules of international trade, what the decoupling of strategic industries means for global companies, and whether new frameworks for cooperation can emerge amid growing protectionism. Attendees will gain insight into how businesses, policymakers, and institutions can adapt to a fragmented trade environment—one where competition, security, and interdependence must coexist.

Speakers

Hon. Nazak Nikakhtar

Partner & Co-Chair, Wiley Rein LLP & National Security and CFIUS Practice

John K. Veroneau

Chambers-ranked international trade lawyer & Senior Counsel, Covington & Burling LLP

Anthony Rapa

Co-Chair, International Trade Practice Group, Blank Rome

Kevin Wolf

Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Scott Rozelle

Professor and Co-director, Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions at Stanford University

Dan Wang

Director, China, Eurasia Group

Guided Questions

John K. Veroneau

With your deep experience crafting and negotiating U.S. trade policy, how do you see the U.S.–China trade relationship evolving under current geopolitical pressures, and what would a sustainable balance between competition and cooperation realistically look like?

Hon. Nazak Nikakhtar

Given your extensive experience shaping U.S. trade and investment policy, how do you see national security considerations influencing future economic strategy toward China, particularly through tools like export controls, CFIUS reviews, and industrial policy? Do you believe these mechanisms can strike a balance between protecting U.S. interests and preserving the benefits of global commerce?

Kevin Wolf

Drawing from your leadership in U.S. export control reform, how do you evaluate the long-term implications of technology-based restrictions on semiconductors and AI tools for both U.S. innovation and global supply chain stability?

Scott Rozelle

Given your research on China’s rural economy and human capital, how might domestic economic and demographic challenges within China influence its long-term trade strategy and ability to compete in a decoupled global economy?

Dan Wang

As someone who closely tracks China’s industrial policy and macroeconomic strategy, how do you interpret Beijing’s current economic recalibration—especially in light of weakening private investment and external pressure from U.S. trade measures? Do you see signs of a sustainable new growth model emerging?

Anthony Rapa

From your perspective advising companies on sanctions and investment screening, how are tightening U.S. controls and retaliatory Chinese measures shaping the risk calculus for firms operating across both markets?