September 11 — Explain Indiana politics to a Chinese diplomat … over breakfast.
Cong Peiwu is one of the most important figures making sense of America for China’s leaders. And he’s coming to Indy to hear what we think about the elections. Join him for a breakfast discussion of the American presidential campaign and Indiana’s local elections.
When: Thursday September 11, 9:00-10:30 AM
Where: Woodstock Club 1301 W 38th St, Indianapolis
Hosted by the Indianapolis Committee on Foreign Relations. Cost is $15. To RSVP email Courtenay Weldon at courtenay@cweldon.net
From the Asia Foundation’s blurb about Cong Peiwu:
The Asia Foundation, with funding from The Boeing Corporation, is sponsoring an observation program in the United States for Mr. Cong Peiwu, Counsel, Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A diplomat since 1992, Counsel Cong’s primary responsibilities at the Ministry are in policy analysis and development. Formerly, he was the Director of the Policy Analysis Division. From 2000 – 2003, he was posted in the Chinese Embassy in Canada. His visit will focus on the 2008 U.S. presidential election and domestic factors which drive the presidential campaigns. The program will also examine implications for foreign policy, and in particular, U.S.-China relations.
Program: As he travels through different regions in the country, Counsel Cong will gain a sense of what’s on the minds of Americans in this election season. The ten-day program will examine the Democratic and Republican nominees’ stances on outstanding foreign policy and security issues. Mr. Cong will also look at the candidates’ positions on economic issues such as free trade vs. protectionism; the opportunities and challenges of foreign investments; competition with other nations over fuel and other resources; and consumer concerns such as product safety. Mr. Cong will engage in informal and candid discussions with representatives of research institutes, political organizations, government agencies and ordinary citizens. The program is also designed to provide a broader perspective of the United States through visits to cities with which he is unfamiliar, and meetings with individuals and organizations that would offer new insights.
The itinerary will include Washington, DC, the nation’s capital and seat of government; Indianapolis, capital of Indiana, a political “swing” state in the Heartland where both agriculture and manufacturing are central to the economy; and two locations in the Deep South with differing political traditions – Jackson, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana.
And for your listening pleasure …
