"Engaging China" is a catchphrase for the 100th congress. However, there is no definition of what "engagement" means in practical contexts or what Congress should know to develop effective "engagement" strategies. In trade and economic issues alone, many questions arise. Does an effective engagement strategy include suspension of permanent normal trade relations? Should penalties be imposed on China for alleged currency manipulation? Should China be brought before the World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Body for failing to protect foreign intellectual property rights? Are there alternative strategies? Also, in dealing with North Korea and regional security issues, how can Congress engage China to be a more constructive partner?

Two renowned China experts, Ambassador J. Stapleton Roy and Dr. Minxin Pei, answered these questions and many more in a practical discussion on how Congress can most effectively engage China. The speakers addressed what areas and kinds of key information about China are important in designing effective engagement strategies - Chinese leadership dynamics, domestic policies, economic development and domestic popular sentiment - and how U.S. leadership can design and implement realistic engagement strategies.