The U.S.-China Education Trust invites you to a conversation with acclaimed historian Jeffrey Wasserstrom as he discusses his latest work, The Milk Tea Alliance, with Evan Osnos, award-winning staff writer at The New Yorker. This wide-ranging dialogue will explore the evolving landscape of public writing on China, the deep connections between China and Southeast Asia, and the art of engaging public audiences through scholarly and journalistic writing.

Throughout his career, Wasserstrom has provided nuanced perspectives on modern China’s social movements, cultural shifts, and political transformations. In his newest work, he expands his geographic focus, examining Southeast Asian societies and their complex relationships with China. Osnos, who served as The New Yorker’s Beijing correspondent from 2008-2013, witnessed China’s profound political, economic, and cultural upheaval firsthand. Like Wasserstrom, his focus has expanded beyond China to encompass East Asia, Southeast Asia, and U.S. domestic politics and social trends. Drawing upon their shared experiences as writers who have navigated the challenges of reporting on an increasingly complex region, this dialogue will examine the changing nature of covering Asia for American audiences in today’s geopolitical landscape.

Join us on June 13, from 3:30 to 5:00 PM, to explore these questions, examine China’s evolving relationships with its Southeast Asian neighbors, and gain insight on the future of China scholarship and journalism. JF Books will be on-site selling copies of Wassterstrom and Osnos’ books. The discussion will be followed by a light reception and book signing.