Tariffs, Corruption & Courage: The Truth About U.S.–China Business

Описание: Drawing on decades of experience doing business in both the U.S. and China, Patrick Jenevein, CEO of Pointe Bello and author, offers a rare insider’s view into the intersection of Western capitalism and Eastern authoritarianism. At a time when U.S.-China relations have reached their most volatile point in generations, Jenevein discusses what it means to navigate this complex landscape with both strategic acumen and ethical integrity.

In this compelling presentation, Jenevein shares personal stories of navigating complex cross-cultural negotiations, confronting corruption head-on, and standing firm on principles in high-stakes international business environments. He discusses what it means to “dance with the dragon”—to engage with China’s formidable economic power while maintaining ethical integrity—and how leaders can cultivate courage, humility, and transparency in environments where those values are often severely tested.

A critical focus of the discussion is the ongoing tariff war between the U.S. and China, which has fundamentally reshaped global commerce since 2025. Jenevein analyzes the real-world impacts of these trade measures, drawing from his unique position having built businesses in both countries. With tariffs now amounting to an average tax increase of nearly $1,200 per U.S. household and a 64% drop in ocean container bookings from China to the U.S. threatening retail shortages and supply chain disruptions, the stakes have never been higher for businesses caught in the crossfire. He explores how companies are adapting their strategies, the unintended consequences of economic decoupling, and what the recent tariff ceasefire means for future business relationships.

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Featured Speaker:

Patrick Jenevein serves as the chief executive at Pointe Bello, an intelligence driven, strategy development firm that provides pioneering open-source intelligence to governmental and commercial bodies on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) economic statecraft activity worldwide. Prior to launching Pointe Bello, he co-founded Tang Energy Group and, partnering

with PRC state-owned enterprises, developed several businesses in the power-generating and electrical infrastructure sectors. Those included power plants, wind farms, and a manufacturer of wind turbine blades. In 2022, the litigation efforts that Jenevein led resulted in collecting dollars in Dallas through a publicly filed document requiring signatures from Beijing.

Jenevein is a graduate of Davidson College, a Council on Foreign Relations Life Member, past Chairman of both the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. His speaking appearances have included the Council on Foreign Relations, The World Affairs Council, the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations, The Aspen Institute, Milken Institute, National Security Council, Pentagon and Naval Postgraduate School, The Center for Strategic Competition hosted by MITRE, Business Executives for National Security (BENS), the International Relations Council, and the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, among others. He has published work in The Wall Street Journal, The Wire China, Taipei Times, Business Week, Fortune, Real Clear Markets, Defense Opinion, the Washington Examiner, Oil & Gas Reporter, The Boston Herald and The Dallas Morning News.