What will the Biden Administration mean for the U.S.-China relationship?

January 28, 2021

The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States of America ushers in a new era and, potentially, a new course for the nation. National leaders, policymakers and the business community are keen to understand how the Biden Administration and his Cabinet will approach a host of issues, including whether the U.S. and China finally may move beyond the intense turbulence of the last four years.

Ambassador Ron Kirk, United States trade representative under President Barack Obama, joins David Firestein to share his perspectives on how the Biden Administration might address a range of critical issues, with a focus on understanding the outlook of the new Cabinet, the impact of the U.S.-China trade conflict and what renewed dialogue means for both nations.

From 2009 to 2013, Ambassador Kirk served as the 16th United States trade representative. As a member of President Obama’s Cabinet, he successfully negotiated trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, as well as Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organization. Previously, he served as mayor of Dallas, Texas (1995-2001). Ambassador Kirk is currently senior of counsel at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and co-chair of the firm’s International Trade Practice Group.