UC San Diego China Forum

The relationship between the U.S. and China is the most important, difficult and vital bilateral relationship in the world today. Given the rapid changes taking place in U.S.-China relations, the question of how to preserve a foundation for cooperation between the two nations while also competing with each other has never been more urgent.

The UC San Diego Forum on U.S.-China Relations, also known as the UC San Diego China Forum, is the nation's premier platform for broad-minded, bipartisan and strategic discussions on the relationship. It is co-chaired by Charlene Barshefsky, Kurt Campbell, Stephen Hadley and Susan Shirk, four veteran policymakers and students of China, and attended by thought leaders from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.

We believe that managing this complex and fraught relationship requires a whole-of-society approach, beyond just government-to-government relations.

Established in 2024, the Washington China Forum is a partnership with the Council on Foreign Relations’ China Strategy Initiative.

Toward A New Paradigm? The Uncertain Future Of U.S.-China Relations

Aug. 4–7, 2026 | La Jolla, CA

The 2026 UC San Diego China Forum will examine whether U.S.-China relations are entering a new phase and what this shift may mean for global order and strategic competition. Discussions will focus on China’s internal political, economic, and technological dynamics and the implications for U.S. policy, regional strategy, and the broader international system. Through candid dialogue among scholars, policymakers, business leaders, and policy experts, the UC San Diego China Forum seeks to illuminate the forces shaping China’s trajectory and the future of U.S.-China relations and the international order.

The Forum is by invitation only. 

Sponsors:

Anonymous (4), James Kralik and Yunli Lou, Qualcomm, Stephen A. Schwarzman, The Asia Group