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ChinaTalk

Competition Policy 2025

Sep 4, 2024
Peter Harrell, who advised on international economics in the Biden administration, and Nazak Nikakhtar, a former Trump official focused on China policy, delve into the future of U.S. competition strategies. They explore the bipartisan agreement on facing China and the impact of leadership on policy effectiveness. The duo also offers insights into export controls, the need for robust manufacturing, and innovative supply chain solutions. Their candid advice for future U.S. leadership highlights the importance of collaboration and strategic foresight in addressing global competition.
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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