Major China-U.S. Relations Conference To Be Held Oct 21-23 in Beijing

Themed “Looking Ahead After 30 Years,” a bilateral conference bringing together prominent governmental, business and academic leaders from China and the United States to promote, strengthen and expand academic and business collaborations between the two countries will be held Oct 21-23 in Beijing at the Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel.

It is the fourth in a series of conferences co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Texas A&M University and its George Bush School of Government and Public Service and the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation.

Former President George H.W. Bush, who has played a significant role in advancing China-U.S. relations, will address participants via a video message during opening ceremonies for the conference.

“This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of U.S.-China relations. During that time, our bilateral relationship has grown closer and stronger,” observes President Bush. “Barbara and I are honored that we have been a part of this great historical period by our service in China. We have great respect and admiration for the Chinese people and what they have accomplished.”

Texas A&M Interim President Dr. R. Bowen Loftin says the university “welcomes the opportunity to again co-host this important conference, which has great potential for enhancing relations between the United States and China – among the world’s most important on-going interactions by almost any measurement.

“It is imperative that we do all we can to gain better understanding between the governmental, business, education and cultural leaders of our two countries, as well as by the general public, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation at all levels,” Loftin adds.

In addition to Loftin and several other university and governmental officials, the U.S. delegation will include a scientific and research team consisting of prominent authorities in agriculture, economics, energy, education, oceanography, architecture, archaeology and medicine.

A line-up of distinguished speakers is scheduled to address participants during the three-day conference. Keynote speakers include: Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China; Ambassador Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to China (invited); Daniel Poneman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy; Zhang Guobao, Vice Chairman, National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China; Zeng Peiyan, Former Vice Premier of People’s Republic of China; and Stephen J. Hadley, former U.S. National Security Advisor. In addition, several other prominent officials, including David Dollar, Economic and Financial Emissary to China, and Barbara Franklin, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, will speak at the conference.

Topics scheduled to be addressed at the Beijing conference include economic and trade relations, energy and climate challenges the two countries face, global security issues and energy-related matters, especially those expected to emerge in the future.

The last day of the conference will focus on roundtable discussions between Chinese and U.S. researchers and scholars. Texas A&M Vice President for Research Jeffrey Seemann says great progress has been made in furthering research collaboration between the two countries since the first conference in 2003, but much more research is needed to adequately address the global and complex issues facing both countries.

“The research roundtables offer an innovative way to establish partnerships and further international experiences for our faculty and students,” Seemann says. “The discussions between Chinese and U.S. researchers provide a strong foundation for broadening and expanding mutual pursuits of research and scholarship, including increased funding, degree programs and identification of new global collaborations – all of which will increasingly define the 21st century.”

The conference also will provide an opportunity to develop a new generation of leaders in China-U.S. relations. Twenty students from Texas A&M, as well as students from the University of Kansas, University of Nebraska at Lincoln and the University of Oklahoma, will have a unique opportunity to learn about the significant China-U.S. relationship while participating in the conference.

Major corporate support for the event is being provided by Cisco Systems, Inc., China National Offshore Oil Corporation, China National Petroleum Corporation, The Dow Chemical Company, IBM and Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters. Contributing sponsors include Leadership Management International, Mobley Group Pacific and RHR International.

For more information, go to: http://china-us.tamu.edu/*.

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