Subnational Initiatives

On April 17-19, 2024 the National Committee co-hosted the 2024 U.S.-China Subnational Symposium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with the University of Michigan’s Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies (LRCCS).  This was the third Symposium jointly produced by both organizations; the first such event was held in April 2019.

Designed for U.S. state and municipal-level government officials who work on China, the Symposium connected representatives from more than 25 states with colleagues and China experts from across the country.  Featured speakers included NCUSCR board directors Susan Thornton and Mary Gallagher, along with PIP fellows Kyle Jaros, Sara Newland, Ilaria Mazzocco, and Andrew Polk, among others

Throughout the year, the National Committee hosts a series of quarterly virtual practicums on issues relevant to the wide range of China-related work conducted by American officials.  These closed-door conversations connect participants with top-level China experts who brief participants about specific issues and offer an opportunity for participants to ask questions and share best practices. 

Officials who are interested in learning more about our next symposium or participating in these ongoing practicums can email us at subnational@ncuscr.org.

In 2023, the National Committee convened a new series of virtual meetings for researchers who are closely following U.S.-China issues in the subnational space.  These closed-door conversations foster connections amongst a small group of academic, think-tank, and nonprofit experts working on subnational issues related to China.

Researchers and scholars who are interested in joining these calls can email us at subnational@ncuscr.org.

Subnational Connect is a collection of regionally organized programming focusing on the aspects of the bilateral relationship that resonate most within that region, e.g., agriculture, trade, green energy, biotechnology, etc. At a time when subnational governments are increasingly involved in China affairs, we see Subnational Connect as an empowering opportunity, bringing various communities together to discuss issues of concern and interest and hear from China experts. We hope to equip subnational actors in ways that will allow them to better navigate an increasingly complex U.S.-China relationship, making well-informed decisions that reflect their and their constituents’ best interests.

Over the next two years, NCUSCR will arrange Subnational Connects in four different regions, beginning with the southeast in Spring 2025. As outlined below, each Subnational Connect will include several components taking place over the course of several days:

• General Public Program featuring a nationally recognized China expert in conversation with a prominent regional stakeholder, co-hosted with a respected local/regional organization with a large membership/network. (We are envisioning an administration official sitting down with a CEO, university president, trade association executive.)

• Business Leaders Roundtable with regional CEOs, heads of trade groups, and other interested stakeholders, moderated by NCUSCR president or board chair.

• Briefing for State/Local/Regional Officials, modeled on our Subnational Symposium but shortened to a half-day, will address important issues tailored to specific regional needs/interests.

• University Leadership and Student Engagement with (1) a student roundtable with outside U.S.-China experts and (2) a discussion between university leadership and China experts on developments shaping the U.S.-China higher-education landscape and engagement with Chinese universities/institutions. 

• AAPI Community Roundtable on the impact that anti-China political rhetoric has had on the domestic U.S. climate, the future of U.S.-China research cooperation and security, the impact of the China Initiative, and the effect of anti-Asian racism on Chinese students in the United States and Chinese Americans.