February 3, 2004

Congressional Commission On U.S.-China Relations To Hear
Experts During Special Session At UCSD Campus, Feb. 12-13

By Paula Cichocka

The Congressional U. S. China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold two days of hearings on China trade and technology at the Graduate School of International Relations/Pacific Studies (IRPS) of the University of California, San Diego, Feb. 12 and 13.

Congress created the Commission in 2000, and appointed its 12 members, to assess the national security implications of the economic and trade relationship between the U. S. and China. The UCSD sessions are part of a national fact-finding process involving top scholars and leaders in business and technology. The meetings will take place in the Great Hall at UCSD’s Eleanor Roosevelt College International House and are open to the public at no charge.

Background and insight for the Congressional panel will come from nearly 20 authorities on China and/or business and technology. UCSD IRPS Dean Peter Cowhey will provide an introduction, speaking on “China as an Emerging High Tech Giant.” Other presenters include economists based at UCSD, UC, Santa Cruz and UC, Davis discussing trends and challenges; scholars outlining China’s trade with its neighbors; business leaders and researchers in sessions on high-technology and biotechnology and a panel of experts providing an overview of China’s role in Asia. Included in this panel is Susan L. Shirk, UCSD professor and China scholar at IRPS, the academic organizer of the hearings.

Space for reporters, and for news organizations requiring camera positions, may be obtained by notifying Paula Cichocka, at the contact numbers below.

Media Contacts:
Paula Cichocka, (858) 534-1465
Barry Jagoda, (858) 534-8567