Reconsidering America's China Policy: Engaging Party and People

AEI and the Project 2049 Institute cohost a conference on America's China Policy in Washington, D.C.

Dramatic changes in Sino-American relations have left the longstanding US policy of "engagement" with China outmoded and ineffective. China's economic, political, and military ascension has led to a more assertive and muscular Beijing, complicating American attempts at diplomatic engagement on key issues. Too often, "engaging" China has meant engagement only with the Chinese Communist Party, with modest results on human rights issues to show for the effort. 

AEI and the Project 2049 Institute, which seeks to guide decision makers toward a more secure Asia by the century's midpoint, will cohost a conference examining US policy toward China, particularly American engagement of Chinese civil society. With new dynamics shaping Chinese and American interests, the conference will evaluate the prospect of a diplomatic strategy both more effective and better aligned with US interests and values.

8:45 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast

9:00
Introduction:
RANDALL SCHRIVER, Project 2049 Institute

9:15   
Panel I: A Review of Engagement

Panelists:
CAROLYN BARTHOLOMEW, US-China Economic and Security Review Commission
SOPHIE RICHARDSON, Human Rights Watch
DEREK SCISSORS, Heritage Foundation
MARK STOKES, Project 2049 Institute

Moderator:
DAN BLUMENTHAL, AEI

Question and Answer

10:45  
Panel II: Engaging Civil Society and Reaching the People

Panelists:
SHARON HOM, Human Rights in China
HO-FUNG HUNG, Indiana University
REBECCA MACKINNON, New America Foundation and Global Voices Online
JENNIFER TURNER, Woodrow Wilson International Center

Moderator:   
KELLEY CURRIE, Project 2049 Institute

Question and Answer

12:15
Adjournment