Former Trump strategist and China critic Steve Bannon speaking in Hong Kong brokerage meeting
Acerbic former aide of Trump who believes China and US are in an economic war to speak on September 12
Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist who advocates a tougher US stance toward China, has agreed to speak at an event hosted by a unit of the biggest state-owned Chinese brokerage.
Bannon, who left his White House role three weeks ago after a controversial tenure in Donald Trump’s administration, will address an investor forum in Hong Kong organised by CLSA, an overseas unit of Citic Securities Co. The September 12 talk will focus on “American economic nationalism, the populist revolt and Asia,” according to a CLSA spokeswoman.
A Bannon representative was unsure whether he’ll receive a speaking fee for the event, which will be his first company-sponsored appearance since leaving the government. He’s unconcerned about CLSA’s connections to the Chinese government, his representative said. The CBS Corp show “60 Minutes” will broadcast an interview with Bannon on Sunday.
Bannon, who has called for direct confrontation with Beijing over trade, told The American Prospect magazine soon before his White House departure that the US and China are engaged in an “economic war.” He has since returned to his executive chairman role at Breitbart News, which said last month it will accelerate efforts to expand its populist and nationalist message globally.
“He’s the man of the moment, and we believe our clients are interested in what he has to say,” CLSA said in a response to questions from Bloomberg. “He is current and his opinion influences the markets.”
Given Bannon’s stance on China, it’s “ironic” that he’s taking part in an event hosted by a company with ties to the Chinese government, said Louis Kuijs, head of Asia economics at Oxford Economics in Hong Kong.