On Tuesday, Oct. 24, the University of Delaware’s Confucius Institute (UDCI) will partner with the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations to host the 11th annual China Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in room 004 of Kirkbride Hall.

This year’s China Town Hall, entitled “China and the USA - A Corporate & Industrial Perspective,” will feature a local speaker and national webcast.

“The objective of the event is to help people better understand the dynamic of the U.S.-China relationship and answer questions on issues that touch their daily lives,” said Jianguo Chen, director of the Confucius Institute at UD. “It is important that our campus community understands how countries in the world interact and how the international community can collaborate in seeking global solutions to many of the urgent issues that confront us.”

At 6 p.m., Dr. Stephen J. Browne, CEO and Chairman of The Stanton Group, will lead the local presentation. After receiving degrees in economics from Johns Hopkins University and MIT, Browne has become a business executive, entrepreneur and economist. Through his role at the Stanton Group, Browne has over the past two decades established strategic partnerships between Chinese and American companies resulting in cross-border investments and technology transfer.

At 7 p.m., those in attendance will be invited to turn to the national discussion, moderated by Stephen A. Orlins, president of the National Committee on U.S. China-Relations and featuring Ambassador Susan E. Rice.

Rice has served in various foreign policy roles throughout her career, including as national security advisor (2013-2017), U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations (2009-2013), assistant secretary of state for African Affairs (1997-2001) and senior director for African Affairs at the National Security Council (1993-1997). During her time as national security advisor, Rice played an integral role in developing & implementing the Obama Administration’s policies towards China.

Audience members will be encouraged to engage in an in-person question and answer session following Browne’s lecture. Those interested should submit questions to Ambassador Rice prior to the event via the following form or during the webcast using the hashtag #CTH17.  

Light refreshments will be served after the event.

More information on the China Town Hall can be found on the Confucius Institute website, or by following @UDGlobal and @UDConfucius on Twitter.

This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures and the Center for Global and Area Studies.

About the Confucius Institute

The Confucius Institute (UDCI) at the University of Delaware, a partner with Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters and Xiamen University, strives to promote Chinese language and culture throughout the University community and general public.

In order to facilitate cross-cultural understanding, promote international educational opportunities, and improve academic collaboration in the Delmarva regions, UDCI initiates and organizes a wide array of language and cultural activities, sponsors academic and scholarly exchange programs, and provides information and consultative services in China’s education, culture, and business.