ChinaTalk Peter Harrell on Bureaucratic Barriers to Competition
Nov 13, 2023
Peter Harrell, former Senior Director for International Economics and Competitiveness under Biden, explores the complexities of U.S.-China relations. He discusses the bureaucratic inefficiencies that hinder decision-making and the need for reforms to boost competitiveness. Harrell draws lessons from Ukraine's sanctions response, emphasizing the importance of corporate compliance amidst rising geopolitical tensions. He also highlights the need for clear communication and tangible outcomes as the U.S. seeks to build coalitions against China's influence.
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Biden Administration's China Strategy
- The Biden administration prioritized setting economic and technological objectives regarding China.
- These objectives include maintaining a technological edge, de-risking the economic relationship, and addressing national security risks like data flows.
Phased Approach to China Strategy
- The Biden administration adopted a phased approach to its China strategy, starting with domestic investments.
- This focus on domestic investment aimed to strengthen the U.S.'s ability to innovate and reduce reliance on China.
Information Gap in U.S.-China Relations
- The U.S. government lacks sufficient data and expertise on the U.S.-China economic and technological relationship.
- This information gap hinders effective decision-making, as seen with semiconductors, highlighting the need for better data collection and analysis.