Kellogg School Hosts Expert Roundtable on China's Economic Future

Kellogg Convenes China Economic Roundtable

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University recently hosted a significant 'China Economic Roundtable' on January 6-7, 2026, bringing together a diverse group of academics, business journalists, policymakers, and business leaders from both the United States and China. The conference, held at the Kellogg Global Hub 5101, aimed to foster a deeper, fact-based understanding of the growth and sustainability of the Chinese economy.

Key Economic Challenges and Discussions

Experts engaged in extensive discussions covering a range of critical issues impacting China's economic landscape. A central focus was the nation's property sector downturn, its implications for financial markets, bank balance-sheet conditions, and local government debt. Participants explored how these factors might constrain banks' ability to expand credit despite policy support, and the broader consequences for investment, growth, and financial stability.

Another significant area of debate involved trade, tariffs, and U.S.-China relations. The roundtable examined the effectiveness and goals of Trump-era tariffs, China's responses to these measures, and the ongoing relevance of yuan undervaluation and U.S. currency policy.

Technological Advancements and Geopolitical Context

The conference also addressed China's rapid advancements in science and technology, including developments in green energy, digital infrastructure, and frontier research. These advancements were recognized as crucial drivers of productivity, resilience, and long-term economic growth. However, discussions also highlighted concerns regarding uneven regional development, resource misallocation, regulatory and geopolitical frictions, and the potential for innovation-led growth to exacerbate inequality or environmental and financial vulnerabilities.

Expert Perspectives and Objectives

Organized by a team led by Professor Nancy Qian of Kellogg, alongside scholars such as Ruixue Jia, Daniel Xu, David Yang, and Shaoda Wang, the event featured prominent speakers including Henry Bienen, Interim President of Northwestern University, and Chong-en Bai, Dean of the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University. Francesca Cornelli, Dean of the Kellogg School of Management, emphasized the importance of 'collaboration and conversation across disciplines and perspectives' during 'uncertain and complex times' to provide 'thoughtful, nuanced analysis' of China's economy and its global relationship. The closed-door nature of the conference, operating under Chatham House Rules, was designed to facilitate open discussion among the invited and registered guests.