People like Musk ‘important bridges’ in ties: former AmCham China head Roberta Lipson

American business leaders with “significant” investments in both the US and China – such as Elon Musk – can serve as “important bridges” because they demonstrate the mutual value of collaboration – from technological innovation to job creation – the former chairwoman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China has suggested.

Roberta Lipson, whose term as chair of AmCham China concluded at the end of the 2024, shortly after this interview, said “trust and understanding” fostered through connections like Musk’s “remain vital” for the broader bilateral relationship in a time of geopolitical challenges.

“It is crucial for both governments to maintain open channels of dialogue and focus on creating a predictable business environment,” Lipson said, going on to describe tariffs and broader trade policies as “headwinds” for American business over the past few years.

“We encourage the [incoming Trump] administration to prioritise stability in the bilateral relationship,” she said in a written reply to questions from the Post ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20. “By focusing on pragmatic economic policies and facilitating constructive dialogue, both sides can ensure a more positive environment for business.”

Lipson said high tariffs “are not a sustainable solution” when dealing with China’s overcapacity issue due to the “unintended consequences for businesses and consumers alike”, and that multilateral engagement and the World Trade Organization offered effective paths to resolution.