In today’s current state of mistrust in the U.S.-China relationship, one thing that does not seem to be ameliorating the situation is the 2016 U.S. presidential election cycle. China is often characterized as a job-stealing, currency-manipulating, territory-seizing superpower towards which America must stand up and act tough. But is that how politicians in the U.S. actually view China? And how will the bilateral relationship be affected with regards to trade and investment if the United States’ China policy shifts with a new U.S. president? Young China Watchers is honored to be able to host California Senator Robert Hertzberg for an off-the-record discussion on the current U.S. presidential election and its impact on U.S.-China relations.

Senator Hertzberg’s history in China dates back to the 1980s, when he traveled frequently from California to develop business interests. As Speaker of the California State Legislature, he was part of the delegation to welcome then Vice President Hu Jintao to San Francisco, California (2002), and has regularly met with visiting Chinese government and business delegations.  A close confidant and advisor to former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sen. Hertzberg accompanied the governor to China in 2010. He also participated in official events during President Xi Jinping’s 2012 visit to Los Angeles. He last visited China in November 2015 to participate in the Understanding China Conference hosted by the Berggruen Institute, the Beijing City Government, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This exclusive conference for senior officials included the participation of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

Sen. Hertzberg is the first former Speaker (Chairman) of the California State Assembly to be elected to the California State Senate in 86 years, and one of only six lawmakers in California history to serve as Assembly Speaker and subsequently win a seat in the Senate. Sen. Hertzberg was elected to represent California’s 18th Senate District in November 2014.

Prior to beginning his legislative career, Sen. Hertzberg developed a successful law practice. He has also been recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal which named him one of the top ten lawyers in Los Angeles, and The Daily Journal, a legal newspaper, which has repeatedly named him one of the top 100 lawyers in California.

Event Location: Parlor is at the corner of 幸福二村二巷 and 幸福二村四巷 (2nd and 4th alley of Xingfu Ercun) within the International Wonderland complex. Facing the Bentley dealership, walk to the back into the International Wonderland apartment complex. Then, turn and walk north towards 幸福二村二巷.