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On 22 August 2024, the informal workshop “US–China Relations and the New World Order” was held at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The event was jointly organised by the Phelan United States Centre at LSE, the Institute of Global Industry at Tsinghua University, and the Global China Academy (UK). Scholars from leading universities in China and the UK gathered to discuss the future trajectory of US–China relations and the reshaping of the global order, addressing issues of international politics, global governance, and institutional change. Through two themed sessions and interdisciplinary exchanges, the workshop enhanced mutual understanding of the current international landscape and the prospects of a new world order, while laying the groundwork for future academic collaboration.

The workshop was attended by Ingrid Cranfield, former Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Global China Academy and President of Global Century Press; Dr Thomas Clarke, Treasurer of the Global China Academy Board of Trustees and Principal Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London; and Professor Xiangqun Chang, President of the Global China Academy. Opening remarks were delivered by Professor Peter Trubowitz, Director of the Phelan United States Centre at LSE; Professor Wang Tianfu, Dean of the School of Social Sciences at Tsinghua University; and Professor Xiangqun Chang, President of the Global China Academy.

In her remarks, Professor Chang noted that “today’s workshop offers us a rare opportunity to explore a range of important issues together in a relatively informal setting—from the challenges and opportunities facing US–China relations to the broader prospects of a new world order. This workshop demonstrates the strength of institutional collaboration and our shared commitment to addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time, especially during the holiday period.”

Participants engaged in focused discussions on US–China relations and international order. Professor Peter Trubowitz identified the trust deficit between the two countries as a core source of current tensions. Dr Thomas Clarke agreed, adding that trust grows from understanding, which requires each side to recognise the different ways in which the other approaches relationships. Professor Dai Changzheng suggested that while China seeks to ease tensions, the direction of bilateral relations largely depends on US policy, and that academic exchanges play a crucial role in improving mutual understanding. Professor William Hurst analysed key turning points in US–China relations, including the end of the Cold War, the 9/11 attacks, and the 2008 global financial crisis. Professor Zhao Kejin emphasised the importance of building dialogue mechanisms at the societal level to provide a foundation for easing bilateral tensions.

On the question of the new international order, Professor Catherine Boone observed that the global order is currently undergoing a period of adjustment. Professor James Morrison noted that the US dollar remains highly influential in the short term. Professor Zhu Jiejin outlined four strategic approaches China has adopted in promoting changes to the international order, while Dr Liu Lina highlighted the multifaceted and shifting roles that third-party countries may play in shaping US–China interactions.

Following the formal sessions, participants continued their conversations in a relaxed and open atmosphere over coffee and dinner. These informal exchanges extended the spirit of dialogue beyond the conference room, deepened mutual understanding, and helped build personal connections. Such interactions reflected the workshop’s commitment to dialogue-based engagement and provided a strong foundation for sustained academic cooperation and more institutionalised communication in the future.

Organizers:      

• Phelan United States Center, London School of Economics
• Institute of Global Industry, Tsinghua University
• Global China Academy (UK)

Time:                  13:45-17:15 August 22, 2024

Location:            London School of Economics and Political Science

Room:                Centre Building (CBG); Rm. 11:13

13:45-14:00     Workshop registration (CBG Rm. 11:13)

14:00-14:15     Opening Remarks

• Peter Trubowitz, Director, Phelan United States Center, LSE
• WANG Tianfu, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University
• Xiangqun Chang, President, Global China Academy

14:15-15:15     US-China Relations: The Road Ahead

• Peter Trubowitz, Professor, LSE (Moderator) DAI Changzheng, Professor, UIBE
• William Hurst, Professor, Cambridge University Elizabeth Ingleson, Assistant Professor, LSE

15:15-15:30     Coffee Break

15:30-16:30     A New World Order: Obstacles and Prospects

• ZHAO Kejin, Professor, Tsinghua University (Moderator) Catherine Boone, Professor, LSE
• Thomas Clarke, Principal Teaching Fellow, Imperial College
• James Morrison, Associate Professor, LSE
• LIU Lina, Assistant Professor, Renmin University
• ZHU Jiejin, Professor, Fudan University

16:30-16:45     Concluding Remarks

• Peter Trubowitz, LSE
• ZHAO Kejin, Tsinghua University

16:45-17:15     Group Photo and Short Tour of LSE

17:15-18:15     Drinks Pear Tree Café, Lincoln’s Inn Fields

19:00                Dinner Santoré, 59-61 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QL

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