News Article

Gonzaga University will host a viewing of the national webcast titled, “CHINA Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections,” with a discussion to follow, starting at 4 p.m., Thursday, April 17 in the Jundt Art Museum’s Jundt Auditorium (Room 110).

The event, sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Spokane and the Gonzaga Environmental Studies Program, is free and open to the public. The event will occur simultaneously in 40 cities across the nation and will provide a unique opportunity for Spokane residents to learn about the importance of China’s relationship with the United States, and have the questions that matter to them answered by leading China specialists.

In this year of presidential and Congressional elections, the role of China, and its effect on the lives of every American, has a central place in discussions of U.S. foreign policy. “CHINA Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections” will provide a unique opportunity for Spokane residents to learn about the importance of China’s relationship with the United States, and have the questions that matter to them answered by leading China specialists.

The live webcast will feature noted political analyst Norman J. Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute discussing aspects of China that he believes will be issues in the 2008 presidential and Congressional elections. Ornstein will then respond to questions from audience members nationwide in a conversation moderated by Stephen A. Orlins, president of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations.

Following the national portion of the program, Daniella Salaverry, co-director of Pacific Environment’s China Program, will speak on “China’s Environmental Challenges and the Country’s Growing Environmental Movement.” The live webcast begins promptly at 4 p.m. (Pacific Time), and Salaverry will speak at the same location at 5 p.m.

The National Committee on U.S.-China Relations is the leading national, non-partisan public affairs organization devoted exclusively to building constructive and durable relationships between the United States and China. The Committee’s continuity of experience and depth of associations in Greater China and the United States make it a national resource. The Committee creates opportunities for informed discussion and reasoned debate about the issues of common interest and concern to the United States, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan.

For more information, please contact Kathleen Mackenzie, president of the World Affairs Council of Spokane, at (509) 991-5068 or via e-mail.