Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer, 18th U.S. Trade Representative (2017 – 2021), speaks with Mark Wu, Director of the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies and Henry L. Stimson Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, for our latest episode of The Policymakers Series. The Ambassador presents his views on China and U.S. trade policy and his belief that China’s goal to become the world’s number one power poses a strategic threat to the United States. He argues for a balanced economic relationship with China, with no wealth or technology transfer, and calls for strategic decoupling in certain industries to protect American workers and national security. He also discusses the need for the U.S. to strengthen itself through lower taxes, proper regulatory policy, subsidies in certain areas, and a sensible trade policy. Finally, the Ambassador advises that students who are interested in pursuing a career in politics be contrarian, think for themselves, and take care of their own country’s interests.
Watch the full talk via the Vimeo embedded video below or on YouTube.