Strategic Competition in the Second Trump Administration

Wednesday, Jan. 22 // 9:30–11:00 am (ET)

The strategic competition between the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) emerged prominently during Donald Trump’s first administration. Policies such as tariffs and trade restrictions, initially implemented under Trump, were subsequently maintained and expanded under Joe Biden’s administration.

Now, as the makeup of the second Trump Administration takes shape and following the President’s priorities outlined in his inaugural address, the Wilson Center is convening its leading experts on China, the Indo-Pacific, Russia, and the Middle East in addition to keynote remarks from Hon. John Moolenaar (virtual).

Join us for a discussion on the potential trajectories of strategic competition in the coming years, focusing on how the administration’s policies may shape relations with key global players and impact regional dynamics.

STILL TO Come THIS WEEK

What’s Next for US-China Climate Relations

Thursday, Jan. 23 // 10–11:15 am (ET)

Climate change was once a key area of US-China cooperation, fostering bilateral collaboration on EVs, renewables, cleaner coal and building energy efficiency in the early 2010s. It also led to the 2014 US-China climate change agreement, which paved the way for the Paris Climate Agreement. However, progress came to a halt during the previous Trump Administration amid growing geopolitical tensions. During the Biden administration, US and Chinese climate envoys worked to help restart the US-China climate dialogue via the 2021 Glasgow Declaration and 2023 Sunnylands Statement. While both countries have shown greater commitment to domestic and global climate action over the past four years, their bilateral climate action has been stymied by ongoing tensions around trade and technology.

At this meeting, speakers will weigh in on what’s next for US-China climate relations. Joanna Lewis (Georgetown University) and Cecilia Springer (Boston University Global China Initiative) will explore the potential opportunities that exist for the United States and China cooperation or coordination in the climate space. Kate Logan (Asia Society Policy Institute) will discuss China’s growing climate finance to the Global South, how it differs from financing from developed countries, and what this may mean for US-China climate relations.