THE FUTURE OF US AND GERMAN POLICY TOWARD BEIJING - The United States and its European partners, in particular the European Union, have worked closely on de-risking from China and strengthening supply chain resilience. However, the relationship must confront new questions on cooperation regarding China. Following the leadership transition in the United States, Germany and Europe are facing calls to adopt more forward-leaning stances toward China.

Despite differing approaches across the Atlantic, Berlin’s views on China have been evolving in response to Beijing’s coercive behavior and support for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and there remains room for Berlin and Washington to work together to strengthen relations and to coordinate policies on China more strongly. In addition, China’s economic policies, an increasingly assertive stance on regional and global issues, and growing strategic partnerships in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean make crafting a transatlantic strategy to counter China’s efforts a critical focus for the next US administration and German government.

How can Germany overcome its structural vulnerabilities and increase its credibility efforts in de-risking from China to secure the future of the transatlantic economy for both the EU and the United States? How is the incoming US administration’s approach towards China likely to shape up, and how will allies and partners need to adapt? How can both Washington and Berlin find alignment on an economic security strategy, and one which does not cause friction for the transatlantic relationship itself?

Against this backdrop, the Atlantic Council and the German Embassy in Washington DC host a forum of expert discussions to consider how to craft a compatible transatlantic China policy that fosters stability, economic growth, and respect for international norms.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 11/22/2024