On June 8, 2017, The Conference Board China Center convened the senior-most in-country leaders from its member companies for its summer China CEO Council session. During the meeting, the group sought to identify and dimension key friction points between China and the world and plausible directions toward resolution or dissolution. Peer discussion and debate focused on assessing four key trends:

1. The hardening international stance on China – from the US, Europe, and Asia. How will China respond, and to what extent will trade and investment partners accommodate Chinese practices?
2. The new plans – Made in China 2025, New Economy, One Belt One Road, and National Security. Are these closings or openings for MNCs?
3. Domestic regulatory and commercial behavior trends – how is the MNC playing field changing?
4. Chinese international investment and operating behavior – “crossing the ocean by feeling the stones”: what are the prospects of success, points of friction, and points of harmony?