U.S. Ambassador to speak at China forum

U.S. Ambassador Darryl Johnson will serve as the keynote speaker during the 2009 Pacific Northwest National Security Forum in Lakewood April 17. He is one of several military, regional and international experts who will discuss the United States' complicated ties to China.

Ambassador Johnson had a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Foreign Service, serving as the first U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania in the early 1990s, and as U.S. Ambassador to Thailand and the Philippines in the 2000s, as well as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for China and Mongolia and the Ambassador-level Director of the American Institute in Taiwan.

“The Pacific Northwest National Security Forum is very fortunate to have Ambassador Darryl Johnson agree to serve as the keynote speaker. Ambassador Johnson continues to bring his wealth of experience and knowledge of China and East Asia to audiences interested in the future of the area, as well as to current projects involving our two nations,” said retired Lt. Col. Doug Adams, program chair for the forum.

Ambassador Johnson grew up in the Puget Sound area, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington-Seattle, with additional studies at the University of Puget Sound, and is currently a lecturer at the UW Jackson School of International Studies.

The forum’s additional panelists include Brig. Gen. Jeff Mathis, deputy commanding general of I Corps and Fort Lewis; retired Brig. Gen. Neal Sealock, former defense attaché to China; Dr. Phillip Saunders, senior research fellow for the National Defense University Institute for National Strategic Studies; and Joe Borich, president of the Washington State China Relations Council.

“We believe the expertise of our panelists in policy, military affairs, and commercial interests will produce relevant and stimulating dialogue among the panelists and the audience,” said Adams.

The panelists will discuss “Competitors and Partners: Prospects for China and the United States.” The event is expected to draw an audience of active duty and reserve military, retired veterans, and civilians including local and regional civic and business leaders.

Cost and registration information are available here.