“China and the Future of the World” was a two-day symposium held at the University of Chicago on on April 28-29, 2006.

UPDATE: Conference video recordings, full transcripts, and keynote/panel summaries can be downloaded on the Event Coverage page.

This conference was hosted by the student organization Chicago Society, which creates events at the University of Chicago to build ties between students and the leading figures of the academic, political, scientific, cultural, and intellectual worlds.

The organizers aim to encourage better understanding of the complexities of modern-day China, especially its rapid social, economic, and political transformations, the foreign policy aims of the government, and its role in the global economy.

Distinguished opinions on the conference:

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for what you and the University of Chicago have done in enhancing exchanges and understanding between China and the United States. I am sure that the upcoming conference, the newest effort in this endeavor, will be a great success.”

- Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Foreign Affairs, People's Republic of China (Letter to Don Michael Randel, President of the University of Chicago, 1/28/06)

“The conference will provide an important contribution to thinking about China's role in the world—which is certainly a timely topic.”

- Robert B. Zoellick, United States Deputy Secretary of State

“The goal of enhancing understanding between China and the United States was never more important than it is today.... This conference [is an opportunity] for meaningful dialogue between China's leaders, our faculty, students, and other experts in the field.”

- Don Michael Randel, President of the University of Chicago

“This conference presents opportunities for meaningful discussions ... on the subject of our country’s relationship with China. The University of Chicago is uniquely poised to host this event as one of the world’s premier research institutions.”

- Barack Obama, United States Senator and Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

“This conference gives the opportunity for American foreign policy experts and China’s leaders to discuss the relationship between the two countries at a time when China’s influence, socially, politically, and economically, is on the rise.”

- Henry J. Hyde, United States Congressman and Chairman of the House Committee on International Relations

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Last Updated: August 11, 2006