The unauthorized entry of a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon into American airspace has provided a unique opportunity to examine the ability of Washington and Beijing to handle diplomatic crises. The incident leaves us wondering how the United States can better understand Chinese bureaucratic structure and decision-making and thus more effectively modulate its responses to unforeseen events. How will the two countries deescalate tensions when something more serious than a rogue balloon agitates the relationship? As the ability to interpret signaling accurately and maintain de-escalatory communication between the United States and China become more critical, so too will understanding the answers to these questions. 

In an interview conducted by Oriana Skylar Mastro on April 13, Tyler Jost and Susan Thornton help contextualize the spy balloon incident within China’s bureaucratic decision-making.

About the speakers: https://www.ncuscr.org/event/spy-balloon-china/

Spy Balloons, Crisis Management, and Implications for U.S.-China Relations

This episode explores China’s new-energy vehicle (NEV) market and draws from the November 2018 CSIS report entitled China’s Risky Drive into New-Energy Vehicles. We are joined by the author of the report, Dr. Scott Kennedy, who examines the strategic and economic motivations behind Beijing’s prioritization of NEVs. Dr. Kennedy discusses the positive results of China becoming the world’s largest NEV market, as well as issues the industry faces in China, such as overcapacity, environmental ramifications, and the challenges posed by international competitors. He also offers his assessment of how the industry will evolve and China’s role moving forward.

Dr. Scott Kennedy is senior adviser of the Freeman Chair in China Studies and director of Project on Chinese Business and Political Economy at CSIS. Prior to joining CSIS, he was a professor at Indiana University (IU) for over 14 years. His work focuses on China’s economic policy and its global economic relations, including industrial policy, technology innovation, and US-China commercial relations.

China’s Emerging New-Energy Vehicle Industry: A Conversation with Scott Kennedy

I was recently invited to The Carter Center's commemoration of the 40th anniversary of U.S.-China relations in Atlanta, where I met Professor David Lampton - a foremost thinker on the two countries. In this podcast, he describes his early adventures as a student in the 1960s, the way he centers his work through people and their voices, and how he has built a career around two fascinating countries and the world they shape.

How to become a player in global affairs

My remix of "Empathy" by my brothers, @TheBrazenYouth

Check out The Brazen Youth on Spotify ~ https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tnIA4ww5dwoyENYz4GM5T?si=AlRoTpFMQ6ePGx2SXkE6iQ

Additional bass guitar performed by Stirling Rutty
Cover art by indojo ~ https://www.deviantart.com/indojo


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Empathy (Remix)

Speaker: Scott Kennedy, Senior Adviser and Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

An American policy to economically decouple from China is a radical idea, and if adopted, would cause substantial damage to American interests. Policies based on “managed interdependence” would be more effective in protecting the economy, national security, values, and public health of the United States.

Scott Kennedy is senior adviser and Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). A leading authority on Chinese economic policy, his specific areas of expertise include industrial policy, technology innovation, business lobbying, U.S.-China commercial relations, and global governance.  He is currently writing a book tentatively titled, The Power of Innovation:The Strategic Importance of China’s High-Tech Drive.

This event was recorded over Zoom.

Decoupling from China: A Radical and Dangerous Idea, with Scott Kennedy

Online Education During the Pandemic

The National Committee on U.S.-China Relations is the leading American nonprofit, nonpartisan organization devoted to promoting constructive engagement between the United States and Greater China.

Since 1966, the National Committee has served as a vital bridge between the two countries, responding to immediate crises and systemic shifts by providing a platform for frank and constructive dialogue, and by creating relevant, high-impact programs that address the changing nature of the bilateral relationship. Its ongoing exchanges, dialogues, conferences, and delegations bring together a wide range of policymakers, corporate leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, professionals, military personnel, and students from both sides of the Pacific. Through public outreach and educational events, the Committee stimulates public discussion and facilitates the exchange of ideas and viewpoints.

The National Committee’s programs draw strength from its members, who number more than 700 prominent Americans from all parts of the country, and nearly 60 corporations and professional firms. They represent many viewpoints, but share the belief that productive U.S.-China relations require ongoing public education, face-to-face contact, and the forthright exchange of ideas.

Spy Balloons, Crisis Management, and Implications for U.S.-China Relations

National Committee on U.S.-China Relations

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