Check-in time and Refreshments served from 12:00-12:30
Please arrive no later than 12:30
Tensions are rising between the United States and China over trade and investment disputes. As new tariffs are implemented, disputes are filed at the WTO, and retaliation is contemplated in both Beijing and Washington, a wider trade war threatens. Meanwhile, largely in response to national security concerns about Chinese government investment into sensitive advanced technologies, Congress is considering legislation to reform the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Negotiations between the two governments continue, in an effort to defuse tension.
In this event, speakers will discuss the roots of tensions in both China and the U.S., the status and prospects of CFIUS reform legislation, and why defending an open, rules-based trading system must be a national security priority.
Watch our live stream starting at 12:30 on Facebook Live.
Speakers
Carolyn Bartholomew
Vice Chairman of the U.S. – China Economic and Security Review Commission
Vice Chairman Bartholomew has worked at senior levels in the U.S. Congress, serving as counsel, legislative director, and chief of staff to now House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. She was a professional staff member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and also served as a legislative assistant to then U.S. Representative Bill Richardson.
In these positions, Vice Chairman Bartholomew was integrally involved in developing U.S. policies on international affairs and security matters. She has particular expertise in U.S.-China relations, including issues related to trade, human rights, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Vice Chairman Bartholomew led efforts in the establishment and funding of global AIDS programs and the promotion of human rights and democratization in countries around the world. In addition to U.S.-China relations, her areas of expertise include terrorism, trade, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, human rights, U.S. foreign assistance programs, and international environmental issues. She is a consultant to non-profit organizations and also serves on the board of directors of the Kaiser Aluminum Corporation.
Ivan A. Schlager
Ivan A. Schlager is head of the firm’s CFIUS practice. He represents a diverse group of clients ranging from defense companies, major telecommunications providers and media and technology companies to private equity firms and companies in the financial services, manufacturing and health care industries. Prior to joining Skadden, Mr. Schlager served as the Democratic chief counsel and staff director to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, where he was responsible for supervising the professional staff of seven subcommittees, as well as devising the Democrats’ legislative strategy for the full committee.
Moderator: Andrew Holland
Director of Studies, American Security Project
Andrew Holland is the American Security Project’s Director of Studies and Senior Fellow for Energy and Climate. As an expert on energy, climate change, and infrastructure policy, he has worked at the center of debates about how to achieve sustainable energy security and how to effectively address climate change for the last decade. He served as Legislative Assistant on Energy, Environment, and Infrastructure for United States Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska for three years from 2006 through 2008. He worked in the US House of Representatives for the House Ways and Means Committee and the Office of Congresswoman Roukema. His Masters dissertation from the University of St. Andrews focused on the importance of coalition building in trade negotiations.
