PULLMAN – U.S. Ambassador Jon M. Huntsman Jr. and Bruce Gilley, professor at Portland State and a published expert on U.S.-China relations, will be the featured speakers at “CHINA Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections” at 4-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, in Todd 216.
Starting at 5 p.m. Huntsman will discuss the U.S.-China relationship in a live webcast from Beijing. He will then respond to questions from audience members at venues throughout the country in a conversation moderated by National Committee President Stephen A. Orlins.
Preceding Huntsman’s comments, Gilley will be on campus to speak on “Democratic Prospects in China: Historical, Comparative and International Dimensions” at 4 p.m.
Prior to assuming his ambassador position in August 2009, Huntsman was elected twice as governor of Utah, served as deputy assistant secretary of commerce for Asia, U.S. ambassador to Singapore and deputy U.S. trade representative (USTR). At USTR, Huntsman negotiated dozens of trade and investment agreements for the U.S. with numerous countries, including China. Huntsman’s public service career began as a White House staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan.
The National Committee on United States-China Relations is conducting a 50-city event to help Americans understand this dynamic relationship. The leading national, nonpartisan public affairs organization is devoted exclusively to building constructive and durable relationships between the U.S. and China. The committee creates opportunities for informed discussion and reasoned debate about issues of common interest and concern to the U.S., the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan.