International Trade | 國際貿易
For decades, China has faced accusations that it engages in unfair trade practices, designed to serve mercantilist interests.
In recent years, a growing number of trading partners are responding with tariffs, antidumping duties, and other restrictions to protect their domestic firms from Chinese competitors. Furthermore, heightened geopolitical tensions are accelerating calls for foreign firms to de-risk or de-couple from China. How will China manage this increasingly challenging trade environment, as it struggles to boost its own slowing economy?
Interview | Professor Mark Wu
Mark Wu, Henry L. Stimson Professor of Law, Harvard Law School; Faculty Director, Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, Harvard University
Highlights from the Critical Issues Confronting China Lecture Series
Framing the Issue
Full Lectures and Panels
Avalanche Decoupling: Economic Contingency Planning for Taiwan Crisis
Critical Issues Confronting China Lecture, Fall 2024
Eyck Freymann, Hoover Fellow, Stanford University
Hugo Bromley, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Centre for Geopolitics, University of Cambridge
China and the Trade Trap
Fairbank Center’s 2024 Neuhauser Memorial Lecture
Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer, 18th United States Trade Representative (2017-2021)
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More to Think About
“Reducing U.S. Dependency on China While Promoting Global Trade,” by Willy Shih (2025)
Why You Should Read It: This article evaluates how the U.S.-China strategic rivalry is driving both firms to decouple their supply chains. It evaluates why supply chains became so entangled in the first place and which types of decoupling actions are likely to succeed in reducing dependency on China.
“Exports in Disguise: Trade Rerouting During the U.S.-China Trade War,” by Jaya Y. Wen, et al. (2025)
Why You Should Read It: This article analyzes how Chinese firms are responding to the trade war by re-routing their goods through third markets. Using Vietnam and the 2018 trade war as a case study, it helps readers understand how Chinese firms use trans-shipment and production re-location as two strategies to evade tariffs.
“We Warned About the First China Shock. The Next One Will be Worse,” by David Autor & Gordon Hanson (2025)
Why You Should Read It: Scholars who pioneered research on how China’s trade practices negatively impact American workers offer a stern warning that we stand on the cusp of a second shock, focused this time on technology and advanced manufacturing. They caution that the impact will be even worse than what was experienced in the early 2000s.
“The Case for ‘Avalanche Decoupling’ from China,” by Eyck Freymann & Hugo Bromley (2025)
Why You Should Read It: This article argues that while full decoupling may prove impractical, China’s trading partners should develop strategies to quickly decouple from China in the event of a crisis. Putting a contingency plan in place will reduce the likelihood of conflict.
“The China, Inc. Challenge to Global Trade Governance,” by Mark Wu (2016)
Why You Should Read It: This article explains why China’s unique economic structure is causing trade tensions that the World Trade Organization will prove unable to address.
“The China Shock: Learning from Labor Market Adjustment to Large Changes in Trade,“ by David Autor, David Dorn, & Gordon Hanson (2016)
Why You Should Read It: This research discusses the negative impact of increased Chinese imports on the United States. It highlights how greater Chinese import competition not only led to job losses but also devastated local communities.
