Our series of interviews with top U.S. policy makers of the last 30 years has revealed how and why the American approach towards China has morphed from seeking closer ties to a desire for estrangement.
Illustration by Sam Ward
Twenty-five years ago, Charlene Barshefsky, the tough-as-nails U.S. Trade Representative, negotiated China’s entry into the World Trade Organization. The deal was bound to be a winner for America, Barshefsky and the rest of the Clinton administration believed, because it tied China more closely to the U.S. and the West.
Shi Guangshen, then Chinese foreign trade minister, signs documents for China’s accession to the WTO in Doha, November 11, 2001. Credit: WTO
“The fundamenta
Exclusive longform investigative journalism, Q&As, news and analysis, and data on Chinese business elites and corporations. We publish China scoops you won't find anywhere else.
A weekly curated reading list on China from David Barboza, Pulitzer Prize-winning former Shanghai correspondent for The New York Times.
A daily roundup of China finance, business and economics headlines.
We offer discounts for groups, institutions and students. Go to our Subscriptions page for details.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy