Yao Yang is a renowned economist in China, serving as the Dean of Peking University’s National School of Development and Director of the school’s Center for Economic Research. With a focus on research to further China’s economic and political development, Yao has a closer relationship with the government than do similar academics in the U.S. He is a member of the Chinese Economist 50 Forum, whose members often play significant government roles, and the Theoretic Economics Committee at China’s governing State Council. Yao is also involved in “Track Two” talks aimed at improving relations between the U.S. and China. Despite recent political changes, Yao assesses that there will be no changes in China’s economic policy. Additionally, he points out that China and Europe are actually on the same side with regards to the Russian-Ukraine conflict, which is also an indication that China’s attitude towards Russia is one of principled neutrality. Overall, Yao is a respected voice on China’s economic and political landscape.
