APPLICATIONS OPEN!! – 2026 China & National Security DC Workshop

The Asia Policy Program at the University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a one-day professional development workshop on “China and National Security,” to be held at the LBJ Washington Center in Washington, DC on September 18. Early-career national security and foreign policy professionals who want to deepen their expertise on the most pressing national security challenges involving the People’s Republic of China are welcome to apply.

The workshop opens Thursday evening (Sept. 17) with a welcome dinner featuring a former senior policymaker as guest speaker. Friday consists of sessions oriented around major China policy challenges facing analysts and policymakers in Washington, taught by former senior U.S. government officials and top experts. Sessions will focus on topics such as:  

• US-China Relations & Global Competition: How is China’s global footprint evolving? How do other countries respond to changes in the U.S.-China relationship? What does this mean for American strategy and foreign policy?  

• The PLA at Home & Abroad: What do analysts and policymakers need to know about the structure, personnel, capabilities, and global reach of the People’s Liberation Army?   

• Human Rights & Transnational Repression: How does China employ transnational repression? What challenges does this pose for policymakers?   

• Economic Security & Statecraft: What are the key issues in economic security vis-à-vis the PRC? How should the U.S. craft strategy to achieve its key objectives?  

• Technology Competition, Critical Infrastructure, & Supply Chain Security: How does the PRC approach technology and national security?  What are the options for addressing risks to critical infrastructure and supply chain security? What key emerging trends and questions should policymakers address to get ahead of the curve?  

• Taiwan: Key Debates & Challenges: What are Beijing’s intentions and possible strategies toward Taiwan? How should the U.S. and American allies/partners prepare for possible Taiwan scenarios?       

To apply: email a resume/CV and cover letter outlining your interest to the Asia Policy Program by 5pm ET on Friday, 28 August at asiapolicy@utexas.edu.    

The Asia Policy Program is a joint initiative of the University of Texas at Austin’s Clements Center on National Security and Strauss Center for International Security and Law.  

We are grateful to the Carnegie Corporation of New York for their generous sponsorship of this workshop.