Interview with Lawrence Lau SPEAKERS: Lawrence Lau, Zhiguo HeLawrence Lau:It is my honor and a pleasure to be here today. And the topic I'm going to speak on is

Recent events have left an unsavory impression of China on most Americans, framing the conflict between the U.S. and its rival power as a zero sum game. By focusing only on overtaking China, the U.S. risks being left behind as China’s plans for expansion circumvent American influence.

The U.S. has placed the other members of the group in a disadvantageous position, expecting each of them to confront China. Instead, what they will discover is that they are missing out on the benefits China offers.

Removal of institutional barriers, more transparency in domestic rules and a free flow of goods and services and factors of production will allow China to develop its gigantic market to its maximum potential.

World conditions are not conducive to another cold war, and there’s little reason to expect one. Maybe all the talk is just U.S. rhetoric to frighten others into joining an anti-China bloc.

In the midst of a global economic slump, China is looking to expand its domestic markets. Not only might this keep China’s economy competitive, but it might also shed China’s “factory of the world” moniker, emerging as the most sophisticated global consumer market.

While Xi Jinping leads China into an unprecedented era of economic expansion, President Trump blames China for American economic stagnation. Blame is neither a strategy nor a plan – but domestic investment is.

Three directions are possible for a post-pandemic China that is reassessing its domestic and international goals. Whichever direction it chooses will have implications beyond its borders.

A rising China has changed the bilateral balance, but neither China nor the United States has sufficient experience or approaches for dealing with the other. Competition could easily lead to confrontation.

Putting yourself in others’ shoes may bring surprises. A China expert explores what makes countries tick, and what drives their perceptions.