History of US-China Business Council in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 19, 2026

The US-China Business Council (USCBC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering trade and commercial relations between the United States and China. Established as a 501(c)(6), the USCBC consists of over 270 American companies that actively engage in trade and business with China. The council serves as a platform for its members to navigate the complexities of the US-China trade relationship, advocate for policies that promote bilateral commerce, and provide insights and resources to facilitate successful business operations in China.

March 22, 1973: Executive committee meeting

On March 22, 1973, the executive committee first met to begin the formation of the council. The executive committee members became the first Board of Directors. Donald C. Burnham, of Westinghouse Corporation, became chairman, and the Board elected Christopher H. Phillips as the first president.

1973: Council Foundation

In 1973, the council was founded as the National Council for United States-China Trade with the support of the White House, the Department of State and the Department of Commerce. Frederick B. Dent, the then United States Secretary of Commerce, compiled an executive committee for the council.

1974: China Business Review publication

In 1974, the council began publishing the China Business Review, a journal aimed at American companies trying to enter the Chinese market.

1979: Council opens Beijing office

In 1979, the Council opened an office in Beijing.

1982: Council membership growth

By 1982, the Council had grown to 400 members. In the first year, the Council attracted 200 members.

1986: Christopher H. Phillips's retirement

In 1986, Christopher H. Phillips retired from his role as president of the council. He had served as president since March 22, 1973.

2021: Report on USCBC influence

A 2021 report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies identified USCBC as a key facilitator of Beijing's efforts to carry out its campaign of subnational influence in and against the United States.

2021: Study on Trump tariffs

A 2021 study commissioned by the USCBC stated that the Trump tariffs on Chinese goods directly resulted in the loss of 245,000 American jobs.

2022: USCBC lobbying efforts

In 2022, the USCBC lobbied against legislation to screen outbound U.S. investments for potential national security issues. The council has also expressed concern about the implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and has lobbied against the expansion of U.S. export controls, especially the expansion of the Entity List.

2023: USCBC and NCUSCR host banquet with Xi Jinping

In 2023, during the APEC United States 2023 meeting, the USCBC and the National Committee on United States–China Relations hosted a banquet with General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping for US business executives. The banquet drew media questions and criticism regarding attendees, and some commentators and scholars have called for an IRS investigation into USCBC's tax-exempt status.

2024: USCBC Goal

As of 2024, The US-China Business Council comprises over 270 American companies that trade and do business with the PRC, with a goal of promoting trade between the United States and the People's Republic of China.