The webinar featured two China experts who provided meaningful insights and candid opinions on the obstacles arising for U.S. companies in China. Shan Huang, deputy managing editor and an editorial board member of Caixin Media, focused on the new buzzwords in China, “common prosperity” and “dual circulation”. He pointed out that these are mere phrases that will take a gradual process to implement. Jacob Wood of GreenPoint Group noted that despite the tense geo-political situation between the U.S. and China, U.S. businesses, especially U.S. multinationals, are still committed to the China market. He believes U.S. businesses will push for further progress in securing trade relations which may help to lessen tensions. Jacob mentioned that there is an “information paradox” as what the U.S. headquarters hear about China in the media is often much different from the reality on the ground in China. The pandemic has heightened this information gap as foreign executives are unable to travel to China and see the situation first hand. It was suggested that successful foreign companies in China have consistently targeted long-term plans that engage all stakeholders. Creating a deep commitment to understanding China and adapting to the Chinese market is the key to facing China’s new obstacles.

When posed the question whether trade relations will get better or worse in the upcoming year, the unanimous answer was that it will continue to be rocky, however there is desire and incentive from both sides to move forward and to quell the tension. Awaiting more information and clarity from the White House regarding China policy, the advice for companies is to diversify suppliers and contractors but hold steady in China for the immediate future. Shan Huang states that if we can look beyond the next 12 months and into the future, China will still be the “workshop of the world” and also a huge market for foreign companies.

Dear WSCRC Members and Friends,

With a heavy heart, we inform you of the passing of our friend and colleague Gregg Rodgers on August 31st, 2021. Gregg was a long-time board and Executive Committee member, and a devoted supporter of the Council. He was a fighter until the very end. Even after receiving the diagnosis of late-stage pancreatic cancer, Gregg continued to maintain strength of spirit and a positive attitude, trademarks of his personality for many of us who were fortunate to know him.

Gregg was a partner at Garvey Shubert Barer (now Foster Garvey) before retiring in 2017. From 1997 to 2017, Gregg served as Chair of the firm’s Immigration practice. His active involvement in immigration matters allowed him to regularly interface with a number of Chinese clients, including China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO), and other China-based entities. Additionally, Gregg previously served as Assistant Attorney General in the Washington State Office of the Attorney General from 1983 to 1986.

Gregg served on the WSCRC Board of Directors between 2005 and 2020, and as Chairman from 2010 to 2013. During our gala held virtually on February 2, 2021, Gregg was awarded the Sidney Rittenberg Lifetime Achievement Award for his countless contributions to the Council and its mission of strengthening U.S.-China relations. Upon receiving the award, Gregg said “Having an organization such as WSCRC is fundamental in coalescing the interests of our governments, our educational systems and the arts so we see each other as individuals.”

Gregg will be sorely missed.

Our hearts and thoughts are with Gregg’s family and loved ones. Gregg’s memorable life and accomplishments are described in this obituary.

We’ll close with the words that Gregg has used in concluding his emails from the past year: “Stay safe. Stay healthy. And Laugh lots!”

On September 15, Clyde Prestowitz, an economist, former U.S. trade negotiator and author of several best-selling books on globalization and Asia discussed his recent book, “The World Turned Upside Down” at a WSCRC webinar. Mr. Prestowitz outlined the economic growth history and explained that China has used a similar playbook, one that America abandoned at the end of World War II, to build its economy. He argues that China’s current state capitalist system is being used to overwhelm industries around the world, setting up China to dominate key technologies into the future. Mr. Prestowitz proposed concrete steps that the U.S. should take to maintain global technological leadership and increase manufacturing’s share of the U.S. economy.