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US-China trade war: simulation gives students lesson in negotiation and diplomacy

  • The Hinrich Trade Negotiation Simulation offers students a rare insight into the reality behind the scenes of trade talks, with guidance from experts
  • Students from seven Hong Kong universities took part last month, the first time the event has been held in the city in the middle of a trade war

Reading Time:5 minutes
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Expert trade negotiator Stephen Olson guides student negotiators, who are among 49 students from seven Hong Kong universities who gathered on February 23 to take part in the Hinrich Foundation’s international trade negotiating course at the Asia Society Hong Kong Centre, in Admiralty. Photo: Hinrich Foundation

Events have taken an unexpected turn for the worst for the Chinese trade delegation gathered around the conference table, and their lead spokesperson is looking noticeably uncomfortable. Having spent hours trying to reach a consensus with other nations about removing tariffs on specific food items, their entire negotiating strategy has been turned on its head.

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The team has been handed a “top-secret diplomatic communique” from Beijing, telling them that a life-threatening epidemic is spreading rapidly across Chinese cities. Four children have already died and scientists think the source of the health emergency could be imported food.

They have received instructions that under no circumstances should they hinder the government’s ability to block food imports. However, they must still achieve consensus on this vital regional trade deal.

Fortunately for the China team, these trade talks are not the real deal. Its members are among 49 students from seven Hong Kong universities who gathered on two Saturdays last month to experience the internal dynamics of international trade negotiating under the watchful eye of seasoned professionals and experts. They also receive specialist coaching in the key techniques and strategies for success.

Trade negotiators are made, not born
Australia’s deputy consul general to Hong Kong, Ken Gordon

The free programme is a unique initiative introduced by the Hong Kong-based Hinrich Foundation, which promotes sustainable global trade through international trade research, education and career development programmes.

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It is the second time the event has been held in Hong Kong, but the first time it’s been run in the middle of a trade war. The relevance is not lost on the participants, some of whom are from the US and China, but currently studying in Hong Kong.

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