US-Chinese relations have been strained as the world’s two largest economies have engaged in trade conflict – escalating with the imposition of tariffs under the Trump Administration. In a new book, Superpower Showdown: How the Battle Between Trump and Xi Threatens a New Cold War, veteran journalists Bob Davis and Lingling Wei, explore the political and economic dynamics of US-China relations.

BFI-China hosted Davis and Wei for a virtual discussion of their book, moderated by Booth Professor of Finance and BFI-China Director Zhiguo He. They were joined by Booth Professor of Economics Chang-Tai Hsieh and Tsinghua University Dean of School of Economics & Management Chong-En Bai for a roundtable discussion on the book and the broader topic of US-China trade relationships. Following the roundtable, the panelists took audience questions.

Books are available for purchase here.

AGENDA

7:30 – 7:35 a.m. • Welcome and Introductions

  • Zhiguo He, Fuji Bank and Heller Professor of Finance, Booth School of Business

7:35 – 8:30 a.m. • Roundtable Discussion

  • Chong-En Bai, Mansfield Freeman Chair Professor, Department of Economics; Dean, School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University
  • Bob Davis, Senior Editor at The Wall Street Journal, DC Bureau
  • Chang-Tai Hsieh, Phyllis and Irwin Winkelried Professor of Economics and PCL Faculty Scholar, Booth School of Business;
  • Lingling Wei, Senior China Correspondent, The Wall Street Journal
  • Moderator: Zhiguo He, Fuji Bank and Heller Professor of Finance, Booth School of Business

8:30 – 9 a.m. • Audience Questions