James Zimmerman on how the US and China can make 2026 a ‘year of vision’

In January, James Zimmerman returned to the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) as its chairman. He previously served in that role for four one-year terms in 2007, 2008, 2015 and 2016. A lawyer by training and a resident of China for 28 years, Zimmerman has witnessed the rise of the world’s second-largest economy, the challenges it has faced and the attendant changes to how American businesses operate in the country.

In this interview, Zimmerman assesses the potential of US President Donald Trump’s coming trip to China, discusses the likelihood of a bilateral trade and investment accord, and warns of the harm unjustified export controls can bring.

This interview first appeared in SCMP Plus. For other interviews in the Open Questions series, click here.

Less than two months into 2026, we have already seen what appears to be rapid changes to the world order, given the situations in Venezuela, Iran and Greenland. Will these impact how and where businesses invest, or add to the appeal of China, whose policies and operating environment are perceived as more stable?

Business requires certainty, predictability and a well-developed legal system. Without these fundamentals, a market might not be investible, regardless of geography.

We have seen this recently in discussions between the White House and American oil companies, where assessments of Venezuela were very negative.

Certainty in the commercial and legal environments, combined with durable investment protections, provides the gateway for business investment.

South China Morning Post