MEdia
Expert Voices Initiative Archive
Table of Contents
Interviews with Expert Scholars on U.S.-China Relations
The Expert Voices Initiative, formerly known as the American Voices Initiative, is a series of on-camera, sit-down interviews with leading experts on important issues in the U.S.-China bilateral relationship.
A Variety of Opinions
The series seeks to elicit candid opinions from experts across a range of topics, extending from economics, trade, and soft power initiatives to security, politics and foreign policy.
in-depth perspectives
Our goal is to provide for a global audience in-depth expert views from various national perspectives on a topical issue of significance in U.S.-China relations.
Wu Shicun on China's Perspective on U.S.-China Relations
March 15, 2024
On March 15, 2024, the Institute for China-America Studies (ICAS) Expert Voices Initiative (EVI) conducted an interview with Dr. Wu Shicun, Chairman of the ICAS Academic Advisory Board, to discuss the current state of the U.S.-China bilateral relationship, summarize the trending topics at the 2024 Munich Security Conference, assess the situation in the South China Sea as tensions rise between China and the Philippine, and examine the value of people-to-people exchanges following the joint vision of the San Francisco Summit between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden. The interview was hosted virtually via Zoom by Research Associate Yilun Zhang.
The interview began with an overview of the current state of the U.S.-China bilateral relationship and how the election result in Taiwan and the upcoming 2024 U.S. elections may impact the bilateral relationship in the near term. Among other topics, Dr. Wu Shicun also provided a comprehensive review of his in-person experience at the 2024 Munich Security Conference (MSC) where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a speech outlining China’s vision to the western countries. Following a lengthy discussion on South China Sea perspectives, Dr. Wu Shicun stressed the critical value of people-to-people exchanges, especially Track-II dialogues, during a time when domestic politics is trumping foreign policymaking. The discussion concluded on a positive note that the two countries should correct their misunderstanding about each other and embrace positive views that allow coexistence.
Dr. Wu Shicun serves as Chair of the Advisory Board at the Institute for China-America Studies. He is also founding president, director of academic committee and senior research fellow at China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies, chairman of the Huayang Institute for Research on Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, chairman of board of directors of the China-Southeast Asia Research Center on the South China Sea, vice president of the China Institute for Free Trade Ports Studies, and adjunct professor of Nanjing University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Dr. Wu has a PhD in history. His research interests cover the history and geography of the South China Sea, maritime delimitation, maritime economy, international relations and regional security strategy. His recent books include: Hainan Free Trade Port: A Global Perspective (Guangdong People’s Publishing House, 2021), The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road: Challenges and Opportunities for Asia and Europe (Routledge, 2019), South China Sea Lawfare: Post-Arbitration Policy Options and Future Prospects (South China Sea Think Tank / Taiwan Center for Security Studies, 2017), Arbitration Concerning the South China Sea: Philippines versus China (Ashgate, 2016), UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the South China Sea (Ashgate, 2015), Non-Traditional Security Issues and the South China Sea-Shaping a New Framework for Cooperation (Ashgate, 2014), Recent Developments in the South China Sea Dispute: The Prospect of a Joint Development Regime (Routledge, 2014), and Solving Disputes for Regional Cooperation and Development in the South China Sea: A Chinese Perspective (Chandos Publishing, 2013). Dr. Wu has also published widely in academic journals and been the subject of frequent media interviews as a senior commentator on South China Sea, regional security issues, the Belt & Road Initiative and the development of Hainan Free Trade Port.
Gordon Houlden on Canada's Perspective on U.S.-China Relations
November 1, 2023
On November 1, 2023, the Institute for China-America Studies (ICAS) Expert Voices Initiative (EVI) conducted an interview with Prof. Gordon Houlden, Director Emeritus at the China Institute of the University of Alberta, to discuss the China-Canada-U.S. trilateral review the outlook of the China-Canada bilateral relationship, and assess the U.S.-China bilateral relationship from a third country perspective. The interview was hosted in-person at the ICAS office in Washington, D.C. by Research Associate Yilun Zhang.
There was an in-depth discussion on whether China’s relationship with the West, particularly that with Canada and the U.S., has changed over time. The interview discussed the importance of restoring and strengthening people-to-people exchanges between China and the U.S. and Canada during a period of uncertainty and geopolitical tensions among the great powers.
Professor Gordon Houlden is Director Emeritus of the China Institute, Professor of Political Science and Adjunct Professor of the Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta. Professor Gordon Houlden joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 1976, serving in Ottawa and abroad. Twenty-two of his thirty-two years in the Canadian Foreign Service were spent working on Chinese economic, trade and political affairs for the Government of Canada including five postings in China. He also served at the Canadian Embassy in Havana and Warsaw, and at Canada National Defence College. His last assignment before joining the University of Alberta in 2008 was as Director General of the East Asian Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, responsible for Greater China, Japan, the Koreas and Mongolia. Under Professor Houlden’s leadership, the China Institute focused on contemporary China studies, with an emphasis on Canada’s trade, investment and bilateral relations with the PRC, and Asian security issues. His third co-edited book on the South China Sea was published in the summer of 2021 by Bristol University Press.
William Vogt on the Chinese Internet
September 1, 2023
On September 1, 2023, the Institute for China-America Studies (ICAS) Expert Voices Initiative (EVI) conducted an interview with Mr. William Vogt, an author and adjunct lecturer at Georgetown University, to discuss the current state and future potential of the “Chinese Internet.” The interview was hosted in-person at the ICAS office in Washington, D.C. by Yilun Zhang, Trade ‘n Technology (TnT) Program Manager.
To many Western observers, China’s Internet appears to be a mysterious ‘black box’ of unknowns and mixed signals. On one hand, the Internet is becoming a symbol of China’s economic growth and opening up with the country’s rapidly growing community of netizens and e-commerce businesses. Widely-used social media platforms like WeChat and Douyin (TikTok) make China one of the leading countries in this new era of information technology. On the other hand, the Internet remains rather closed off due to the Chinese government’s tightening control and censorship over online content and its recent crackdowns on Internet and technology companies. How should observers properly assess China’s Internet society? Is the Chinese Internet a land of free speech or is it more-so a tool for centralized control? This EVI aims to discuss and assess the current state of China’s Internet and provide another depiction of this often unknown territory. Additionally, this event also seeks to explore the roles of various actors in this complex dynamic environment of the Chinese Internet.
William Vogt is an experienced consultant and social media analyst who has published articles and a full-length book on modern China and the impact of information technology in emerging market countries. He previously taught a survey of the Chinese Internet at the Catholic University of America. He has previous experience in global risk management serving public and private sector clients and was Founder and Managing Principal of Weilian Poder Global Consulting, a firm that facilitated client engagements with senior business leaders in mainland China.
Vogt is a two-time graduate of Georgetown University, with a B.S. from the School of Foreign Service and an M.A. from the Communication, Culture, and Technology program. At Georgetown, he founded and led the university’s New Media in Asia Research Group and won a Hanban (Confucius Institute) scholarship to visit Nanjing University. He also studied at Capital University of Economics and Business in Beijing and Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador.
Wang Sheng on Blue Carbon Development in China
August 3, 2023
On August 3, 2023, the Institute for China-America Studies (ICAS) Expert Voices Initiative (EVI) conducted an interview with Mr. Wang Sheng, President of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCS) to discuss “Blue Carbon Development in China.” The interview was recorded in-person at the NISCS Office in Hainan, China, and hosted by Zhangchen Wang, ICAS Blue Carbon and Climate Change (BCCC) Program Research Assistant.
In recent years, there are more and more people recognizing the positive impact of blue carbon ecosystems on protecting coastal ecology and addressing climate change. Countries around the world are also increasing their emphasis on the protection and development of blue carbon ecosystems. However, not all countries have the ability to independently develop blue carbon resources, and the development potential of many countries is constrained by issues such as resource reserves, technology, and funding. Moreover, there is a lack of mutual trust among different countries on this issue, further restricting the potential for development. Thus, this EVI aims to explore the prospect and potential of blue carbon international cooperation. This event will also study whether the establishment of a set of blue carbon international standards by cooperation among countries will become the basis for promoting cooperation among blue carbon countries in the future.
Mr. Wang Sheng graduated from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, with a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics in English. For over 20 years, Mr. Wang’s career has been devoted to foreign affairs and South China Sea research. He has immersed himself in a variety of research fields including international relations and regional security strategy, China’s rights and interests in the South China Sea, island development, and the Hainan Free Trade Port. An author of over one hundred academic papers and a dozen volumes, Mr. Wang has worked on the front-line for China’s rights and interests in the South China Sea, and for the stability of that sea, promoting exchange and cooperation with the countries and regions surrounding it. Among other posts, Mr. Wang is a Specially-appointed Professor, and a senior Chinese foreign affairs professional. He is currently President of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS). He has studied at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Duke University in the United States, and Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
André Aquino on Cooperation Between Developed and Developing Countries on Blue Carbon Projects
May 25, 2023
On May 25, 2023, the Institute for China-America Studies (ICAS) Expert Voices Initiative (EVI) conducted an interview with Mr. André Rodrigues de Aquino, a Lead Environmental Specialist from the World Bank, on the theme of “Cooperation Between Developed and Developing Countries on Blue Carbon Projects.” The interview was hosted out of Washington, D.C. by Zhangchen Wang, ICAS Blue Carbon and Climate Change (BCCC) Program Research Assistant, while Mr. Aquino spoke remotely from Jakarta, Indonesia.
During the nearly one-hour interview, the host asked Aquino for his views and insights on issues regarding blue carbon damage and degradation in developing countries, challenges facing blue carbon protection, the sustainability of blue carbon development, and the future of blue carbon projects. Aquino responded to all the questions of interest that ICAS and its global audiences submitted while sharing his insightful assessments and valuable experiences. Through this interview, the audience can have a deeper understanding of the current status of blue carbon protection in developing countries, especially in Indonesia, where Aquino resides. Additionally, Aquino talked about the protection and development of blue carbon ecosystems in general, especially mangroves, in developing countries, the problems they are specifically facing, and potential solutions to those problems.
André Aquino is the Lead Environmental Specialist, Sustainable Development (SD) Program Leader for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Previous to this role, André has coordinated the World Bank Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy (ENB) program in Indonesia and Timor-Leste since 2019, including the management of the landscapes and oceans programs. André has almost 20 years of experience in natural resources management and environmental issues, including forestry, biodiversity, carbon finance and biodiversity conservation finance, nature-based tourism, oceans, and coastal management, and rural development. He has managed several large-scale investment operations, led technical assistance support to Governments at national and sub-national levels, and conducted analytical work and policy dialogue. His work has mostly focused on the interaction between rural communities and renewable natural resources (forests, wildlife, fisheries), seeking mechanisms to ensure benefits flow to local communities and national economies to incentivize conservation and restoration of natural resources. Originally from Brazil, André worked in LAC (based in Brasilia and DC), Africa (based in DR Congo to cover forestry issues for the Congo Basin, and in Mozambique to cover ENB issues for southern Africa), in addition to HQ. André holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Environmental Economics from the University of Maryland (USA), an Executive Program Diploma in Forestry from the University of Yale (USA), an Environmental Law post-graduate degree from the University of Pará (Brazil) and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the Catholic University of Minas Gerais (Brazil).
James Borton on Science Diplomacy as a Solution to South China Sea Maritime Disputes
July 1, 2022
James Borton joins ICAS in this installment of Expert Voices Initiative to discuss how multilateral science diplomacy can help resolve disputes and improve regional security in the South China Sea. On the agenda for discussion are:
- Outcomes of the June 2022 IISS Shangri-La Security Dialogue
- Impact of the Philippine Presidential Election Results on Southeast Asia
- Comparison of Vietnam’s Maritime Policies with that of China’s and SE Asia’s
- The History of Vietnam as a ‘Traditional’ Custodian of the South China Sea
- The Role of China’s ‘Maritime Militia’ -‘Science Diplomacy’ as a Solution to South China Sea Disputes
- The Clash Between Geopolitics and Scientific Cooperation
- How to Incentivize Policymakers to Act on Marine Conservation -Lessons for Policymakers on Promoting Successful Scientific Cooperation
Denis Simon on the State of U.S.-China S&T Educational Exchange
August 26, 2021
Denis Simon joins ICAS in this installment of the Expert Voices Initiative to discuss the past, present, and future of U.S.-China S&T educational exchange. On the agenda for discussion are:
- the history of educational exchange between China and the U.S.,
- pushback against the spread of Confucius Institutes,
- the ongoing Department of Justice’s China Initiative,
- China’s growing desire to set international norms in science and technology fields,
- new reforms from the Chinese government aimed at driving technological self-sufficiency,
- the impact of COVID-19 on international educational exchange, and more.
David Sandalow on the U.S.-China Relationship Regarding Climate Change
May 28, 2021
In this installment of The American Voices Initiative, we sit down virtually with Mr. David Sandalow of the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University. On the agenda is that critical climate change issue, and the state of U.S.-China cooperation as well as domestic national and sub-national developments within the U.S. and China on this issue. Since the Biden administration took office, climate change is widely considered to be one of the few areas that could allow for meaningful engagement and cooperation within a broken U.S.-China relationship. But what could this engagement actually look like? To discuss these pressing questions and more, we are joined by Mr. Sandalow.
David Sandalow is the Inaugural Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy and co-Director of the Energy and Environment Concentration at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. He founded and directs the Center’s U.S.-China Program and is author of the Guide to Chinese Climate Policy. Mr. Sandalow has served in senior positions at the White House, State Department and U.S. Department of Energy. He writes and speaks widely on climate change and energy policy
Craig Allen on the U.S.-China Business and Trade Relationship
October 26, 2020
In this installment of the American Voices Initiative, we sit down virtually with Ambassador Craig Allen, President of the US-China Business Council. On the agenda is the current state and trajectory of the business and trade relationship between the United States and China in the wake of the Phase One Trade Deal, evolving domestic politics in both the U.S. and China, and the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Ambassador Craig Allen has had a long and distinguished career in U.S. public service, beginning his engagements with China in 1986 when he served as an International economist in the International Trade Administration’s China Office. He would later be assigned to different US Embassies, including the US Embassy in Beijing and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo where he served as a Commercial Attaché.
His public service experience culminated in being sworn in as ambassador to Brunei Darussalam from December 2014 – 2018. Following his return in 2018, he has since transitioned to President of the US-China Business Council, a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing over 200 American companies doing business with China.
Robert Sutter on Taiwan Strait Relations
October 23, 2018
In this installment of the American Voices Initiative, we sit down with Dr. Robert Sutter of George Washington University. On the agenda is the United States’ stances on Taiwan and cross-strait relations as it relates to the One China Policy.
A prolific author, Dr. Robert Sutter is currently Professor of Practice of International Affairs at the Elliott School of George Washington University (2011-Present) and previously held a full-time position as a professor of Asian Studies at Georgetown University (2001-2011) in Washington, D.C.
Sutter’s government career (1968-2001) saw service as senior specialist and director of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division of the Congressional Research Service. Among other positions, he was also the National Intelligence Officer for East Asia and the Pacific at the U.S. Government’s National Intelligence Council and the China division director at the Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research.
Ted Moran on the U.S.-China Trade War and CFIUS Reform
May 2, 2018
In this installment of the American Voices Initiative, we sit down with Professor Ted Moran of Georgetown University. On the agenda is the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, bilateral investment ties, and the potential impact of CFIUS reform on the economic relationship.
Ted Moran is the Marcus Wallenberg Chair in International Business and Finance in the School of Foreign Service and is the founder of the Landegger Program in International Business Diplomacy at Georgetown University. He is also a professor in the Center for Latin American Studies in the School of Foreign Service.
Moran’s research and extensive authorship focus on international economics, business, foreign affairs, and public policy. As an expert in international business and foreign affairs, Moran has served in a number of governmental and non-governmental advisory roles, including on the U.S. National Intelligence Council on international business issues (2007 to 2013).
Matthew Goodman on U.S.-China Economic Relations
Matthew P. Goodman is senior vice president for economics and holds the Simon Chair in Political Economy at CSIS. The CSIS Economics Program, which he directs, focuses on international economic policy and global economic governance. He is also a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and chairman emeritus of the board of trustees of the Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C.
Before joining CSIS in 2012, Goodman served as director for international economics on the National Security Council staff, helping the president prepare for global and regional summits, including the G20, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and East Asia Summit. Prior to the White House, Goodman held senior advisor positions at the U.S. Department of State, the Albright Stonebridge Group, the National Security Council, and Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Michael Swaine on Stability in the Western Pacific
Dr. Michael Swaine is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and one of the most prominent American analysts in Chinese security studies. Formerly a senior policy analyst at the RAND Corporation, Swaine is a specialist in Chinese defense and foreign policy, U.S.-China relations, and East Asian international relations.
He has authored and edited more than a dozen books and monographs and many journal articles and book chapters in these areas, directs several security-related projects with Chinese partners, and advises the U.S. government on Asian security issues. He received his doctorate in government from Harvard University.
Explore extra content from the July 30, 2016 AVI interview with Michael Swaine, where he discusses U.S. allies and global governance issues.
Joseph Nye on U.S. engagement with China
May 5, 2016
In the first installment of the American Voices Initiative, we sit down with Joseph Nye of Harvard University. On the agenda is the U.S. engagement policy towards China, questions of U.S. containment of China in the Western Pacific, China’s growing involvement in global development, and the role of the military in diplomatic relationships.
Dr. Joseph S. Nye Jr. is university distinguished service professor and former dean of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He is also fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the British Academy, and the American Academy of Diplomacy.
Notably, in November 2014, Emperor Akihito of Japan conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, on Dr. Nye in recognition of his contribution to the development of studies on Japan-U.S. security and to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. Additionally, he was rated the fifth most influential international relations scholar over the past 20 years, ranked as the most influential scholar on American foreign policy, and in 2011, Foreign Policy named him one of the top 100 Global Thinkers.
