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The View
OpinionComment
Edward Tse
Thomas W. Pauken II
Edward TseandThomas W. Pauken II

The View | Even with talk of a new Cold War, Chinese companies should seek stronger economic ties in the US

  • Despite the harsh rhetoric between Washington and Beijing, there are opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation at the local level
  • Chinese companies can boost bilateral relations by helping communities in the rust belt, for example

Reading Time:3 minutes
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Fuyao, a Chinese automotive glass producer, operates a plant in Ohio that was the subject of the documentary American Factory. Photo: AP
Edward TseandThomas W. Pauken II
As political tensions rise amid the pandemic, relations between the United States and China have worsened at the federal level.
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Nevertheless, based on our interactions with our clients, we see many from both sides continuing to support collaboration at the local level – between cities, provinces or states. Despite the rhetoric at the federal level, a number of local American officials looking to rejuvenate the economy still welcome Chinese investment.

Texas may be a deep red state that voted for Donald Trump to be president, but it nevertheless advocates closer trade and investment ties with China, through sister cities.

Houston, the fourth-largest city in the US, has substantial engagement with two Chinese sister cities, Shenzhen and Shanghai. And China is the second-largest trading partner of Houston, Texas. Shanghai donated medical supplies to Houston in the fight against Covid-19, for example.

Last October, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met foreign business executives, including Evan Greenberg, chairman of the US-China Business Council, inviting them to seize opportunities in China.
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