America and China in the Aftermath of Election and Succession: Paths and Pitfalls

The reelection of President Barack Obama and the convening of China’s 18th National Congress only days later highlight converging political calendars that may set the contours of U.S.-China relations and East Asian politics for years to come. However, uncertainties remain, with China’s political, economic and strategic trajectories subject to major internal and external pressures. At the same time, the United States confronts a daunting, long deferred set of fiscal challenges that could reshape U.S. foreign and security policy options.

On November 19, the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings hosted a discussion assessing possible developments in Chinese foreign and domestic affairs in light of the political transitions in both countries.