The United States and the People’s Republic of China are both in a period of leadership transition. In the United States, President Obama has been elected to serve a second presidential term and the Obama administration is preparing to appoint new cabinet members, many of whom will play critical roles in formulating the administration’s China policy. In the People’s Republic of China, the 18th CPC national congress has concluded and the new party leadership has been elected with Xi Jinping as the new Party General Secretary. The additional government leadership transitions are set to take place this coming March.
As Washington and Beijing move into a new term, the leaders in both capitols will face many common challenges. On the economic front, for example, both nations will be searching for new strategies for achieving sustainable growth and expanding middle class prosperity in a globalized age. We can benefit by working together on these and other common goals, but cooperation is not always easy to achieve. U.S. Senator Tom Daschle and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yesui will offer their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges our two nations could face in 2013.
Introduction:
Rudy deLeon, Senior Vice President for National Security and International Policy, Center for American Progress
Featured speakers:
Senator Tom Daschle, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
Ambassador Zhang Yesui, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America
Moderator:
Melanie Hart, Policy Analyst, Center for American Progress