Beijing and D.C. wonder what the other is thinking – Kevin Rudd, Former PM Australia - Part 2

USC IBEAR Business Class

In Part 2 of this Business Class conversation, we look at the backstory of the US -China Trade War. Kevin Rudd, former Australian Prime Minister says “I worry that the lines of communication are shutting down.” Using his background as a Sinologist, he notes that both Presidents are looking at the politics of the confrontation. And as, “The impact of a shuddering halt to US – China trade would be profound,” feels that a resolution and a declared victory from both sides could be an expected result. He adds, this dual victory is partly possible as, “The US President has a remarkable ability to re-describe reality.” Kevin Rudd is currently the President of the Asia Society Policy Institute. The interview was conducted by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.