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ChinaTalk

Competition Policy 2025

Sep 4, 2024
Join Peter Harrell, former advisor on the National Economic Council, and Nazak Nikakhtar, ex-Commerce Department official, as they dissect the future of U.S. industrial policy. They delve into government leadership dynamics, exploring past shortcomings under Biden and Trump. The discussion highlights the bipartisan drive to improve competition with China and offers inventive solutions for supply chain resilience. Plus, they share strategic insights on the delicate balance of export controls and the role of lawyers in navigating complex trade policies.
01:15:32

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Quick takeaways

  • Effective U.S. industrial policy towards China is heavily influenced by presidential leadership, requiring clear priorities and operational strategies from the executive branch.
  • Bureaucratic inertia and a pro-globalization mindset create challenges for transitioning to protective measures against China's economic practices, complicating regulatory adaptations.

Deep dives

The Role of Presidential Direction in China Policy

The strategic direction of U.S. policy towards China largely hinges on presidential leadership, which determines the overarching objectives within the relationship. Different presidential administrations have showcased varying approaches, such as whether to engage in broad investment restrictions or select targets for sanctions. This decision-making process includes both top-down directives from the president and recommendations from lower-level officials based on market and geopolitical assessments. Ultimately, it is the president's responsibility to set the focus and priorities, thereby guiding the actions of various federal agencies and ensuring a cohesive approach to national policy.

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