A New Era in U.S.-China Relations?

Dinner Dialogue
Reception 6:30pm
Dinner 7:00pm
Dialogue 8:00pm
Close 9:30pm

Few details have emerged from the recent summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, although the Chinese President has reportedly invited his U.S. counterpart to visit China later this year. While the leaders were to discuss North Korea, the US$300 billion trade deficit, and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, President Trump’s sudden announcement that he had ordered a missile strike on a Syrian airfield largely overshadowed the meeting. President Trump has repeatedly underscored his commitment to an “America First” foreign policy that advances U.S. interests and strengthens national security. Yet despite fiery rhetoric on the campaign trail and prior to his inauguration, he has, thus far, not followed through on campaign threats to label China a currency manipulator or impose steep tariffs on Chinese exports. Instead he has reaffirmed the One-China Policy, a key cornerstone of Sino-U.S. relations, after previously placing it in doubt. How will President Trump’s “America First” approach impact on U.S.-China political, economic and trade relations? What does 2017 hold in store for the Trump-Xi relationship? Will a new era dawn in Sino-U.S. relations?

Charles E. Cook, Jr., Editor and Publisher, The Cook Political Report
Charlie Cook is the editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report, and a political analyst for the National Journal Group. He founded the independent, non-partisan The Cook Political Report in 1984, described by The New York Times as “a newsletter that both parties regard as authoritative,” while CBS News’ Bob Schieffer called it “the bible of the political community.” Over the years Mr. Cook has served as an election night analyst for CBS, CNN and NBC, and since 1996 on NBC News Election Night Decision Desk in New York. In 2010, he was the co-recipient of the American Political Science Association’s prestigious Carey McWilliams award to honor “a major journalistic contribution to our understanding of politics.” In 2013, Mr. Cook served as a Resident Fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

Yuan Ming, Dean, Yenching Academy, Peking University
Yuan Ming currently serves as dean of the Yenching Academy at Peking University, associate dean of Peking University’s Institute of International and Strategic Studies, director of its Center for American Studies and professor of its School of International Studies. She was a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and a member of its Foreign Relations Committee. She joined the International Advisory Board of the Council on Foreign Relations in 2004 and the Board of the United Nations Foundation in 2007. Prof. Yuan is a former trustee of Asia Society. Since 2014, Prof. Yuan has been a member of the Duke-Kunshan University International Advisory Group. She received her bachelor’s degree in Western language and literature, and Master of Laws in international laws from Peking University.

Ronnie C. Chan, Co-Chair, Asia Society & Chairman, Asia Society Hong Kong Center
Ronnie C. Chan is co-chair of Asia Society and chairman of Asia Society Hong Kong Center. He serves as chairman of Hang Lung Properties. In addition, Mr. Chan is chairman of the One Country Two Systems Research Institute and The Better Hong Kong Foundation, Convener of the Hong Kong Development Forum, governing board member of the China-United States Exchange Foundation, and adviser and former vice president of the China Development Research Foundation. He is director of board of Peterson Institute for International Economics, member of council on foreign relations and former member of the governing boards of the World Economic Forum. Mr. Chan holds an MBA from the University of Southern California. (Moderator)

The Ambassador Burton Levin Lecture Series was established in 1995 to honor Asia Society Hong Kong Center’s founding executive director, and is intended to facilitate, broaden and enrich dialogue about U.S.-Asian relations and intra-Asian relations.
 

Regular Menu
Salmon Tartare with Pickled Fennel, Capers and Microgreens
Grass-Fed Fillet Steak with Buttery Crushed Potatoes, Baby Vegetables and Mixed Herb Chimichurri
Vanilla Cream Brulee Tart with Raspberries

Vegetarian Menu
Caprese Salad — Tomatoes and Mozzarella with Orange-Infused Basil Oil and Balsamic Caviar Pearls
Romesco Eggplant with Charred Broccoli and Creamy Labneh Yoghurt
Vanilla Cream Brulee Tart with Raspberries 

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With Gratitude to this Evening’s Table Patrons
Belleview Research
Bloomberg L.P.
Bloomberg L.P. student table
Dr. Mark Michelson
Ms. S. Alice Mong
Morningside
The Chen Wai Wai Vivien Foundation Limited
Wong’s International Holdings Limited
Ms. Marjorie Yang
Mr. Larry Yung
Dr. Allan Zeman

We also wish to thank all individuals, who have supported us this evening and continue to believe in Asia Society’s mission to promote mutual understanding and strengthen partnerships among people, leaders and institutions in Asia and the Unites States.