2025.07.11 Peter Walker: Thoughts on US China Relationship

U.S.-China relations, as a core variable in the global landscape, are undergoing a critical transformation marked by deepening competition and cooperation. In view of this, the 18th session of the US Series Forum of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China (RDCY) invites Peter Walker, Co-Chairman of the China Institute in America and Senior Partner Emeritus at McKinsey & Company, to visit Renmin University of China and deliver a keynote speech on July 11, 2025. He has over 40 years of experience in U.S.-China business practices and has witnessed significant turning points in the economic relations between the two countries. His unique entrepreneurial perspective and cross-cultural insights will offer strategic-level thinking to address the challenges in U.S.-China relations. The agenda is as follows: The agenda is arranged as follows:

• Host: Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China (RDCY); School of Global Leadership, Renmin University of China

• Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 15:30-17:00

• Venue: Beijing, China

• Languages: Chinese, English (simultaneous interpretation available)

• Speaker:  Peter Walker, Co-Chairman of the China Institute in America, Senior Partner Emeritus at McKinsey & Company

Peter Walker is a renowned observer of China affairs and currently serves as Co-Chairman of the China Institute in America. The China Institute in America is a non-profit educational and cultural institution based in New York City, USA. Founded in 1926 by American educator John Dewey and Chinese scholar Hu Shi, among others, it aims to enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of China and the United States through programs in culture, education, business and other fields.Peter Walker served as a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company for 46 years, during which he provided services to numerous financial institutions across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. With over 30 years of experience focused on the Chinese market, he possesses deep practical experience and a broad research perspective. In recent years, in addition to continuing his investment and business activities in China, he has analyzed U.S.-China relations from the perspective of a U.S. entrepreneur with extensive knowledge of China, working to eliminate bilateral misunderstandings. He is the author of powerfu1, Different, Equa1: 0vercoming the Misconceptions and Differences Between china and the us, which explores the historical and cultural differences between the U.S. and China, their future trajectories, and opportunities for cooperation.

• Opening Remark: Wang Wen, Dean, RDCY; Dean, School of Global Leadership, Renmin University of China

• Discussion: Dun Zhigang, Research Fellow, Area Studies Department of RDCY

• Moderator: Lu Donghong, Associate Researcher of Area Studies Department of RDCY