Welcome to the 2023 Duke-UNC China Leadership Summit
"Unwrapping Uncertainties: U.S.-China Relations in A Less Flat World"
In recent years, the trend of deglobalization has built up barriers between countries and among people. We witness a withdrawal from global interdependence in different ways: regional wars, border conflicts, increased tariffs, export restrictions, capital controls, anti-immigration, cultural protectionism, etc. The COVID-19 pandemic has only further exacerbated the trend of deglobalization. China and the U.S., two mutually globalizing influences, are shifting their strategies in this new world. Their interaction will not only influence the life of Chinese and American people but also the trajectory of international politics. In a less flat world, we look into the future with the hope of predicting crises, mitigating uncertainties, and redefining existing commonalities.
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How do we define U.S.-China relations for the next decade? Will the two countries strengthen their economic interdependence? Will China reopen its borders? And what impacts will it bring to the world? How can a systematic study of history contribute to our predictions of future trends? How are individuals and the civil society shaping the U.S.-China relations? We will explore these questions at the summit: Unwrapping Uncertainties: U.S.-China Relations in A Less Flat World.

Our delegate application is now open. Please apply before the February 24th deadline. We also invite you to join our mailing list to receive summit updates.

What is CLS?

The Duke-UNC China Leadership Summit (CLS) invites leading experts to speak on topics of importance to the U.S.-China relations and create a platform for students from across the United States and all over the world to exchange perspectives on these issues, connect with speakers, and network with one another. CLS hosted students for the first time in spring of 2011. Since then, our annual conference has more than doubled in size from 40 students in 2011 to around 150 students in 2019.
12 Annual Summits​
40 Represented Universities
1057 Student Delegates

What Does CLS Do?

CLS brings together the most promising undergraduates from around China and the U.S. each year who are interested in deepening their understanding of China and creating a more productive relationship between the U.S. and China. As a delegate, you will attend panels, roundtable discussions, seminars and keynote speeches led by professionals committed to the U.S.-China relationship in various fields including academia, business, government, and social activism. You will have the chance to discuss some of the most pressing issues pertaining to Sino-U.S. relations with your peers as well as network with our speakers, corporate sponsors and each other.
CONVERSATION
EXCHANGE OF IDEAS
NETWORKING

Our Past Speakers

Our speakers are experts on U.S.-China relations and China studies, ranging from diplomats, senior officials, government advisors, retired senior military officers, and leaders of international organizations to scientists, professors, research fellows, journalists, activists, and artists. They come from both China and the United States as well as other parts of the world, represent a diverse set of opinions and perspectives, and bring meaningful insights to our summit. Speakers for the 2023 summit will be announced soon. Some of our speakers from the past summits include:
Opening banquet. Co-Directors Daqi (Jen) Chen and Evan Finley gave their welcoming remarks to the speakers and delegates in 2022.
​Keynote speech. Mr. Kaiser Kuo delivered his speech at the 2022 opening banquet. Speakers are seated at the same tables with delegates to foster interactions.
Delegates at the banquet. At the opening banquet, speakers and delegates enjoy their locally inspired dinners together and have casual conversations.
Speaker sessions. Mr. Leland Lazarus chatted with delegates during his presentation on China's Growing Influence in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Roundtable discussions. Delegates and speakers engage in seminar-style conversations and experience meaningful exchange of ideas.
Networking. During cocktail parties and coffee breaks, delegates and speakers mingle with each other and make many new friends.

Interested?

The delegate application for our 2023 summit is now open. If you are interested in attending, please apply here before the February 24th deadline.  If you want to learn more about us and stay updated on the latest summit information, we also encourage you to join our mailing list. 
Questions?
Contact us via email at dukeunccls@gmail.com.

​Or reach out directly to our exec team members:
Carlos Hua, Co-Director (Duke): yh252@duke.edu
Violet Evans, Co-Director (UNC): ​vwevans@live.unc.edu
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