The View | Even with talk of a new Cold War, Chinese companies should seek stronger economic ties in the US
- Despite the harsh rhetoric between Washington and Beijing, there are opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation at the local level
- Chinese companies can boost bilateral relations by helping communities in the rust belt, for example
Nevertheless, based on our interactions with our clients, we see many from both sides continuing to support collaboration at the local level – between cities, provinces or states. Despite the rhetoric at the federal level, a number of local American officials looking to rejuvenate the economy still welcome Chinese investment.
Texas may be a deep red state that voted for Donald Trump to be president, but it nevertheless advocates closer trade and investment ties with China, through sister cities.
Houston, the fourth-largest city in the US, has substantial engagement with two Chinese sister cities, Shenzhen and Shanghai. And China is the second-largest trading partner of Houston, Texas. Shanghai donated medical supplies to Houston in the fight against Covid-19, for example.