International Studies & Programs

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China and the World: Beyond the Headlines

U.S.-China Trade

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Published: Friday, 05 Apr 2019 Author: Haoran Liu

U.S.-China Trade Panel

 

On April 1, several MSU units held the first panel, “U.S.-China Trade,” of the China and the World: Beyond the Headlines symposium series. The Office of China Programs organized this panel with multiple other sponsors: African Studies Center, Asian Studies Center, Broad China Business Society, China Council, and the Office of International Studies in Education. The goal of this symposium, which will continue throughout the 2018-19 academic year, is to provide a forum for open discussion, grounded in scholarship, about hot topics related to China.

A panel of 5 speakers sitting at a row of tables in front of a conference room audience in the International Center building.The event began with a networking section offering light appetizers and drinks. Following the reception, six panelists from different backgrounds shared their opinions and analysis about the U.S.-China Trade War and the relationship between the two countries. At the end, participants asked questions to panelists. The discussion was successful at moving beyond sensationalized headlines to a deeper reality of the trade relationship between the two countries. Panelists explored export control realities, news headlines and common stereotypes used in both countries, Michigan’s economic connections with China, what it takes for an American to be successful doing business in China, U.S. policies towards trade with China, and the people from both countries that are at the heart of all connections. 

Wide shot of a full room of conference attendees sitting in rows.     
This event attracted a diverse audience of around 50 people including MSU students, MSU faculty, visiting scholars, and community members. Of participants surveyed, 94 percent said this event exceeded their expectations. On April 1 at 11:00 p.m., this event was featured on the local news WLNS Channel 6.
The organizers of symposium series hope to see future panels just as well attended.

If you are interested in getting information about future panels or if you have ideas for topics, please contact Jennifer Pippin, Deputy Director of the Office of China Programs, at pippinj1(at)msu.edu