China is achieving Great Power status based on its economic prowess, its political clout and its increasingly capable military. With the US under President Trump seemingly less willing to lead, China has shown a willingness to take onto itself a much more prominent role.
President Xi Jingping and President Trump have, surprisingly, found much common ground, both on trade issues, but also in dealing with the dangerous question of North Korea’s nuclear and missile capability.
What does a rising China mean for Canada, and for the international community? What are the benefits and what are the risks of a prosperous Chinese state and a mature or possibly declining United States? Issues ranging from the South China Sea to the Korean Peninsula will be addressed.
Speaker: Gordon Houlden
Professor Gordon Houlden is the Director of the China Institute, Professor of Political Science and Adjunct Professor of Business at the University of Alberta He is also Adjunct Research Professor at China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies.
Professor Houlden is a former Canadian Foreign Service Officer, with 22 years working on Chinese affairs for the Government of Canada, including 5 China postings. He has also served on the Board of Governors of the International Development Research Centre, a federal Crown Corporation. Under his leadership, the China Institute has focused on contemporary China studies, with an emphasis on Canada’s trade, investment and energy linkages with the People’s Republic of China.
Moderator: Trevor Page
Date: Thursday, June 15, 2017 Time: 7 - 8:30 pm Location: Dr. Foster James Penny Building, room PB210, 324 – 5 Street South, Lethbridge Cost: Free, everyone welcome