On April 11th, 2024, Asia Society Seattle and Northern California hosted a virtual discussion on Investment and Trade in China – Evolving Opportunities and Challenges, connecting key voices to discuss the complexities of investing in China within the context of intensifying geopolitics. The virtual discussion featured Tim Stratford, Senior Counsel at Covington and Burling’s Beijing Office, Dan Wang, Chief Economist at Hang Seng Bank China Hong Kong, and was moderated by Guonan Ma, Senior Fellow on the Chinese Economy at the Asia Society Policy Institute Centers for Policy Analysis.

 The speakers acknowledged the perception of China as increasingly "uninvestable" among foreign investors, with prevailing uncertainty among domestic and foreign businesses in China. They attributed this sentiment in part to the increasingly complex U.S.-China relationship, shifting leadership dynamics, and increased concerns for national security. The discussion raises questions about balancing stable relations with evolving external geopolitical dynamics.

The speakers emphasized factors such as heightened efficiency among domestic counterparts that contribute to the recent decline in foreign investment in China. Chinese companies, fueled by government support aimed at boosting self-sufficiency and mitigating foreign leverage, have a greater competitive advantage than foreign companies. The speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding between nations, advocating for more cultural collaboration and leveraging business connections as catalysts for positive engagement.