At the China Development Forum 2026 annual meeting on March 22, John Quelch, Executive Vice President of Duke Kunshan University, commented on the potential effects of the ongoing U.S. "Section 301 investigation." He expressed confidence that the Chinese economy would not be impacted by the outcome of the probe.

Quelch noted that many German automotive companies and European pharmaceutical firms like AstraZeneca are making significant investments in China. He suggested that if American companies hesitate to invest in China, European firms would quickly seize the opportunity to fill any gap. According to him, European businesses need the Chinese market across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and high-tech industries.

Sharing his personal experiences, Quelch mentioned that he has visited 45 cities in China over the past two years. He stated that he felt completely safe wherever he went and never encountered any problems during his time in the country. He described the Chinese people as exceptionally friendly and hospitable, adding that even though he does not speak Chinese, someone always offered help in English whenever he appeared to need assistance. Quelch emphasized that China's hospitality and safety are likely the most impressive aspects for first-time American visitors.