Two competing narratives dominate the U.S.-China relationship. Many U.S. policymakers see China as an existential threat to U.S. national and allied security. They have pushed forward policies designed to reduce economic interdependence on China. On the flipside, many in the business community have continued to emphasize the benefits of China as an economic partner and a place of growth opportunities. While the business community has long been the counterweight ballast in the U.S.-China relationship, in recent years business opportunities have become more constrained by both governments.

How does the business community understand, perceive, and navigate the U.S.-China relationship in this national security-focused context? Join us on Thursday, August 15 to hear from Ambassador Craig Allen, President of U.S.-China Business Council, and John Bruns, Vice President for Commercial Sales and Marketing, Global Strategic Initiatives at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. They will offer recent updates from businesses and policy makers in Beijing and the Hill about the U.S.-China relationship, including how business opportunities in China have evolved and changed in ways that are beneficial or detrimental to U.S. companies.

This is a private, off-the-record event, and it is free for Asia Society Seattle members. Lunch will be served. Registration and confirmation of registration is required. Event location in downtown Seattle will be emailed to registered attendees 24 hours before the event.

Virtual access is available for Asia Society Northern California members. Zoom link for virtual access will be provided 24 hours before the event.

Non-members should email [email protected] for registration inquires. 

SPEAKER BIO

Craig Allen began his tenure in Washington, DC as the president of the US-China Business Council (USCBC) on July 26, 2018. USCBC is a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing over 270 American companies doing business with China. Prior to joining USCBC, Craig had a long, distinguished career in US public service.

Craig began his government career in 1985 at the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA). He entered government as a Presidential Management Intern, rotating through the four branches of ITA. From 1986 to 1988, he was an international economist in ITA’s China Office. In 1988, Craig transferred to the American Institute in Taiwan, where he served as Director of the American Trade Center in Taipei. He held this position until 1992, when he returned to the Department of Commerce for a three-year posting at the US Embassy in Beijing as Commercial Attaché. In 1995, Craig was assigned to the US Embassy in Tokyo, where he served as a Commercial Attaché. In 1998, he was promoted to Deputy Senior Commercial Officer. In 1999, Craig became a member of the Senior Foreign Service.

From 2000, Craig served a two-year tour at the National Center for APEC in Seattle. While there, he worked on the APEC Summits in Brunei, China, and Mexico. In 2002, it was back to Beijing, where Craig served as the Senior Commercial Officer. In Beijing, Craig was promoted to the Minister Counselor rank of the Senior Foreign Service. After a four-year tour in South Africa, Craig became Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia at the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. He later became Deputy Assistant Secretary for China. Craig was sworn in as the United States ambassador to Brunei Darussalam on December 19, 2014. He served there until July 2018, when he transitioned to President of the US-China Business Council.

Craig received a B.A. from the University of Michigan in Political Science and Asian Studies in 1979. He received a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in 1985.

John Bruns was named Boeing Sales and Marketing Global Strategic Initiatives vice president in January 2023. Based in Seattle, he is responsible for Boeing's strategic business initiatives aimed at strengthening Boeing’s engagement in key commercial markets across the globe. He previously served as vice president Commercial Sales & Marketing, responsible for the India and Southeast Asia region. Prior to that John was president of Boeing China, leading companywide activities in-country including government affairs and supporting the implementation of Boeing’s China strategy. John also served as Boeing Commercial Airplanes senior sales director and has more than 25 years of experience in the Chinese aviation market.

Bruns joined McDonnell Douglas in 1986 and worked in Engineering Test & Evaluation. In 1990, he was assigned to the McDonnell Douglas China Program Office in Long Beach and then moved to Beijing in 1994 as deputy to the president of McDonnell Douglas–China. Following the merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas in 1997, Bruns joined the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Sales organization and led numerous successful airplane sales campaigns with Chinese airlines and leasing companies. 

Bruns grew up in Asia and speaks Mandarin. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian studies from Bucknell University, Pennsylvania. In 1991, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree with an international business emphasis at the Drucker School of Management, Claremont Graduate University, California. Bruns served as the co-chair of the US-China Aviation Cooperation Program from 2016-2019.