Asia Society Australia is pleased to host an exclusive invite-only Executive Briefing with David Rennie, Geopolitics Editor and Columnist, The Economist.

This briefing is part of our corporate member event series The Bigger Picture, which brings together senior government and business leaders in a small closed-door forum to discuss the key issues shaping Australia’s prosperity and security in Asia.

At this briefing Mr Rennie will discuss the future of China’s economy. China is facing one of its biggest economic tests since the early 1990s. Last year the country achieved growth of 5%, but the pillars of its decades-long miracle are wobbling. Its famously industrious workforce is shrinking, the property boom has turned to bust and the global system of free trade that China has leveraged for years is fractured. President Xi’s response is to double down on a bold plan to remake China’s economy and avoid stagnation. But will it work? And what does it mean for Australia? Plus, what is the outlook for China’s relations with America in Trump’s second term?

A long-term China-watcher including six years as Bureau Chief for The Economist in Beijing, David Rennie will offer a unique insider’s perspective on the future of China’s economy and US-China relations. Following his remarks, participants will be invited to share their views and engage in a moderated discussion.

Date: Monday 10 February 2025 
Time: 12:15pm arrival for a 12:30pm start. The event will conclude at 2:00pm.
Location: Sydney CBD

Please note that this event is invitation-only and will be held under Chatham House Rule. Registration is essential as places are limited. For any enquiries, please contact [email protected].

This event is supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

About our Speaker

David Rennie, Geopolitics Editor and Columnist, The Economist

David Rennie was previously the Beijing bureau chief for The Economist and author of its "Chaguan" column, offering deep insights into China’s domestic and international dynamics. He joined The Economist in 2007 as the European Union correspondent and Charlemagne columnist, based in Brussels. From 2010 to 2012, he served as British political editor and Bagehot columnist in London, before moving to Washington, DC, where he was Lexington columnist (2012–2017) and Washington bureau chief (2013–2018). Rennie relocated to Beijing in 2018, where he launched the "Chaguan" column. A seasoned journalist, he co-hosts the Drum Tower podcast with Alice Su, exploring contemporary Chinese issues. Over his career, Rennie has reported from Brussels, London, Washington, and Beijing, building a reputation for nuanced and authoritative reporting on global affairs. His first overseas post was in Australia, working for the London Daily Telegraph in Sydney. His work reflects a deep understanding of geopolitics and society, making him a key voice in international journalism.