Washington China Forum

Washington China Forum is a collaborative effort between the Council on Foreign Relations’ China Strategy Initiative and the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy’s 21st Century China Center.

The 2026 Washington China Forum meets at a time of undeniable geopolitical and technological transformation. China is converting its growing military, industrial and technological strength into power. Washington has profoundly upturned the alliances and global economic system it created decades ago in pursuit of greater balance and freedom of maneuver. Both countries have seen their relationship swing back and forth from trade war to a fragile calm. This year’s Washington China Forum gathers to assess the impact of these changes. 

The Washington China Forum builds on the tradition of UC San Diego China Forum, held annually in San Diego in the summer, by convening leaders from government, business, academia, and the policy community for thoughtful and collegial discussions. Together, we aim to navigate the complexities of trade, technology, security, and diplomacy with an eye toward crafting informed, enduring, and effective policies.