“Aggressive.” “Rivalry.” “Warning.” “Deepening rifts.” The sensationalism of such terms in recent headlines makes it hard to develop a nuanced understanding of China and its role in the world. To help bring clarity to this complex subject, Michigan State Univeresity is launching a symposium series, “China and the World: Beyond the Headlines.”
The series is designed to offer multiple perspectives and foster open and informed dialogue on high-profile topics related to China.
The first event in the series will be a panel discussion on the topic of trade relations between the U.S. and China, and will take place 6-8 p.m. April 1 in Room 303 of the International Center.
The panel will feature national experts on U.S.-China relations, a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and international journalism expert and Michigan-based practitioners with a wealth of business and legal experience in working with China. Panelists include:
• David Firestein, executive director, The University of Texas at Austin’s China Public Policy Center
• Eric Freedman, director, The Knight Center for Environmental Journalism at Michigan State University
• Mary Gallagher, director, The Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Michigan
• Chris Holman, founder and CEO, Michigan Business Network
• Jean Schtokal, shareholder, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, P.C. and executive in residence, Center for International Business Education and Research at Michigan State University
• Xinyu Wu, director, Visiting International Professional Program and co-director, Office of China Programs at Michigan State University
The “China and the World” events are free and open to the public, and will allow for lengthy question and answer times for public discussion, grounded in scholarship.
Future discussions will cover topics such as China’s role in globalization, technology and knowledge transfer in China, and the One Belt, One Road Initiative. The planning committee also welcomes topic suggestions from the public.
Sponsors are African Studies Center, Asian Studies Center, Broad China Business Society, China Council, Office of China Programs and Office of International Studies in Education.