On August 15, 2024, Asia Society Seattle hosted a panel discussion called “Profit or Peril? Competing Narratives on the U.S. and China Business and Trade Environment” featuring Craig Allen, President of the U.S.-China Business Council, and John Bruns, Vice President for Commercial Sales and Marketing, Global Strategic Initiatives at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The event focused on the evolving economic and technological relationship between the United States and China.

Allen discussed the implications of recent Chinese policy shifts which were made apparent in the July 30 Politburo meeting and the third plenum. While there were differing opinions on whether China's current challenges are cyclical or structural, the conversation highlighted the Chinese government's emphasis on technology and manufacturing as key areas for future growth. Bruns shared insights into Boeing's long-standing relationship with China, emphasizing the significance of the Chinese market for Boeing's future and the aviation industry's unique role in building a constructive U.S-China bilateral relationship. In the moderated discussion, speakers discussed various U.S. legislative efforts in response to Chinese technological innovation and the broader implications for U.S. businesses operating in China. The conversation also touched on the difficulties of balancing national security concerns with the need for cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence and public health. Both Allen and Bruns noted that Chinese government officials are tracking the U.S. election results closely, and that U.S. political shifts will greatly determine future policies and practices in China. Both panelists emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation to navigate the complexities of this critical bilateral relationship.

During the Q&A portion, speakers answered questions on China's priorities in global trade, the future of AI collaboration between the U.S. and China, and the implication of geopolitics on the finance sector.