U.S.-China Relations to Be Explored Oct. 16 at CHINA Town Hall

PITTSBURGH—Lasting solutions to some of the world's most critical issues—climate change, economics, security, and trade—will require cooperation between the United States and China, the world's largest economies, energy users, and emitters of greenhouse gases. The National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, in collaboration with The Carter Center, is sponsoring the eighth annual CHINA Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections, a national day of programming on China involving more than 70 venues nationwide, including the University of Pittsburgh campus.

Each location will host a talk by a prominent specialist on China to be followed by a live webcast and question-and-answer session with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

Locally, students, scholars, and members of the community will convene at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 in Room 4130 of Wesley W. Posvar Hall, 230 S. Bouquet St., Oakland. The schedule is as follows:

6 p.m.
"Coal and Sustainability in China—What's the Future?"
Ailun Yang, senior associate at the World Resources Institute
In her position, Yang plans, designs, and executes research and policy analysis in order to influence national debates and build the evidence base to accelerate clean technology deployment and sustainable low-carbon development. She works to promote positive exchanges between the United States and China on the issues of climate and energy.

7-8 p.m.
Live webcast by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter Jr.) was the 39th president of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. Under Carter's leadership, on Jan. 1, 1979, the U.S. established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. In 1982, he became University Distinguished Professor at Emory University in Atlanta and founded The Carter Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that addresses national and international issues of public policy. Since leaving office, President Carter has visited China 12 times, most recently in September 2014.

President Carter's discussion and responses to questions submitted by the nationwide audience will be moderated by National Committee on U.S.-China Relations President Stephen Orlins.

Pitt's participation in CHINA Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections is made possible by Pitt's University Center for International Studies and Asian Studies Center.

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