Susan Shirk: U.S. & China

Hosted by Soka University of America. Dinner sponsorship available!

Keynote speaker, Susan Shirk, research professor and director emeritus of its 21st Century China Center at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy will speak on current U.S. and China relations at Soka University on Thursday 5 March. The discussion will be moderated by World Affairs Council of Orange County Chairman Mr. William (Bill) Edwards.

There will be an intimate private dinner post-event with Dr. Shirk in the Aliso Viejo vicinity following the program. Members and supporters of our nonprofit - including donations directly for our high school Academic World Quest participants - are invited to dine with the speaker and must purchase separate tickets with the option of hosting. 

Parking for this program is free; instructions will be provided. 

Both China and the United States are now ruled by personalistic autocratic leaders, which creates both risks of conflict and the possibility of improved relations. Xi Jinping and Donald Trump may meet as many as four times during 2026. What can we expect from this period of intense high-level diplomacy between the leaders of the two superpowers?

Dr. Susan Shirk, leading scholar on U.S. - China relations and former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs will hold a moderated discussion with Bill Edwards on what the future may hold for these two major super powers.