Trade tensions and the deeper conflicts on technology, economy and geopolitics can lead to the possibility of China and America decoupling — creating two distinct, rival economic, technological and political systems with their own spheres of influences. In the Eighth Robert F. Ellsworth Memorial Lecture, former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd explains the arguments by American and Chinese hawks in this current dynamic and where they may take U.S.-China relations. The Honorable Kevin Rudd served as Australia’s 26th Prime Minister (2007–2010, 2013) and as Foreign Minister (2010–2012). He led Australia’s response during the Global Financial Crisis—the only major developed economy not to go into recession—and helped found the G20. Rudd joined the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York as its inaugural president in January 2015. The event will start with a talk at 12:30 p.m., followed by a reception at 2 p.m.