The Complex Domestic Politics of U.S.-China Relations

While geopolitical tensions continue to define much of the U.S.-China relationship, changing domestic politics in both countries — often underappreciated and little understood — have become a major factor in this great power rivalry. Over the past decade, domestic political forces in both countries have had increasingly negative impacts on U.S.-China ties further exacerbating difficult relations between the two.

What domestic changes in both countries are influencing the relationship, in what ways, and to what effect?

To answer these questions, the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis (CCA) will host an in-depth discussion with three former senior officials: Evan Medeiros, Senior Fellow for Foreign Policy, Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis; Elizabeth Economy, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution; and Liza Tobin, Senior Director for Economy, Special Competitive Studies Project. Bates Gill, Executive Director, Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis, will moderate the discussion and help the audience understand the changing domestic politics behind U.S.-China relations in both countries, as well as the broader challenges of formulating China policy in Washington today.