For years, the U.S.-China relationship has been defined by both intensifying strategic competition and economic interdependence. Trade and technology disputes, particularly around export controls, advanced semiconductors, and supply chain "de-risking", continue to shape economic policy for both countries. In the Indo-Pacific, the expansion of U.S. security partnerships and Beijing's assertive posture, especially regarding Taiwan, underscore the risk of miscalculation. 

These tensions raise a critical question: are prevailing narratives about U.S.-China relations grounded in evidence and reasonable caution, or in political bias?

On Wednesday, April 29th, at 9:30 am PT, the Pacific Council is hosting a virtual book talk with Zhengyu "Z" Huang, former President of the Committee of 100 and author of Rethinking China: Challenging Our Economic Assumptions & Opportunities for Lasting Prosperity. Huang will be joined in conversation by Philip Yun, Co-President & Co-CEO of the Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California (CCWA) and Asia Pacific Senior Fellow at the Pacific Council. 

About Rethinking China: Challenging Our Economic Assumptions & Opportunities for Lasting Prosperity  

In Rethinking China, Z Huang delivers a timely and incisive critique of the prevailing US narrative on China, challenging long-held assumptions with data, expert interviews, and firsthand insight. Blending history, economics, diplomacy, and lived experience, Huang dismantles assumptions surrounding trade, intellectual property, human rights, and national security, while cutting through fear and laying bare the dangerous consequences of dehumanizing rhetoric and strategic miscalculation. From the legacy of Vietnam to the risks of war over Taiwan, he calls for evidence-based policymaking and a more honest, results-driven approach to coexistence and competition with China. This book is an essential guide for policymakers, media, and citizens alike seeking clarity in the most consequential relationship of our time.

To register for this webinar, visit the Zoom Registration Page.

Guest Speaker 

Zhengyu “Z” Huang is the former President of the Committee of 100, a nonprofit of prominent Chinese Americans dedicated to advancing constructive US-China relations and promoting Chinese American inclusion. Born in Shanghai and raised in Los Angeles, Huang holds degrees in Industrial Engineering, Economics, and Computer Science from Stanford and an MBA from Harvard. He began his career at Intel, where he led negotiations with the Chinese government on IP and 4G partnerships. He later served as a White House Fellow under President Obama, founded a financial technology firm in Shanghai, and now leads an education-focused investment firm investing in America. A bestselling author of four books, Huang's talks have reached over 50 million people, and his work has been featured in major outlets including CNBC, CNN, and USA Today. He has lived in five countries, traveled to over 90, and remains an avid (if not expert) enthusiast of fifteen sports.

Presider 

Philip W. Yun’s career has spanned the private and public sectors for the past 40 years, with experience in security affairs, foreign policy, diplomacy, international development, law, business, politics, and philanthropy. He is currently Co-President and Co-CEO of Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California (CCWA), a leading nonpartisan public forum based in San Francisco.

CCWA is the product of a merger between the World Affairs Council of Northern California, founded in 1947, and The Commonwealth Club of California, established in 1903. Combined, both organizations have been an integral part of the Bay Area’s civic life for over 200 years. CCWA continues to provide a local, regional, and national platform for newsmakers, changemakers, and leaders to discuss and advocate for local and global solutions facing our world while advancing diverse ideas and viewpoints. Its platform includes weekly radio programs and podcasts that are carried by almost 300 radio stations throughout the U.S.

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To register for this webinar, visit the Zoom Registration Page.