Inside China: Regional forum explores U.S., China relations

Military and regional experts will delve into the complexities of the United States’ relationship with China during the 2009 Pacific Northwest National Security Forum in Lakewood April 17. A diverse panel of diplomatic, military, economic, and academic experts will discuss “Competitors and Partners: Prospects for China and the United States.”

“Thirty years have passed since the United States and the People’s Republic of China normalized relations. In that time, much has changed in China. China is now among the world’s top economies, militaries, and after the Beijing Olympics in 2008, perhaps even cultures. Many national security experts focus on the future competition they see coming between the United States and China. However, Washington State has been a leader in developing partnerships with China in educational and commercial realms,” said retired Lieutenant Colonel Doug Adams, program chair for the forum.

“It is the complex nature of these paradoxical relationships that is of interest and indeed vital relevance to our regional audience,” said Adams.

The event is expected to draw an audience of active duty and reserve military, retired military and civilians including local and regional civic leaders.

The keynote speaker at lunch will focus on the dynamic nature of the evolving relationship between the United States and China. The agenda will also hear from experts and practitioners on a variety of elements associated with the trade imbalance, a growing military presence, hotspots like Taiwan, Tibet, and the Korean peninsula, as well as areas of partnership in diplomacy and commerce.

In 2007, Vice Admiral David C. Nichols, Jr., former deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, spoke on asymmetric warfare, addressing the challenges of fourth generation warfare and the path to winning. Previous speakers have included the current Pacific Command commander, Admiral Tim Keating, and current Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz. The forum was created in 1996 by retired military officers with the aim of educating Puget Sound regional audiences on current national security topics.

Cost and registration information is now available on the web.