In the midst of the economic crisis, relations between the U.S. and China - a growing economic superpower - may play a crucial role.
Zhou Wenzhong, who has been China's ambassador to the U.S. since 2005, discussed this relationship yesterday in a lecture at the Penn Law School.
In his address, Zhou discussed China's enormous economic growth in recent years, the global economic crisis and U.S.-China relations.
Zhou explained that in recent years, the two countries have had extensive dialogue about energy, resources and environmental change.
"Now at a time of increased complexity and volatility, China and the U.S. face more common challenges and shared responsibilities" than ever, he said.
Penn President Amy Gutmann welcomed Zhou to the University.
Gutmann explained that Penn has a direct relationship with China on several levels. For instance, the Graduate School of Education has a doctorate of education program in cooperation with Peking University.
"Understanding the global world has become a truism of what an education moving forward has to be," said Gutmann. "Our students need . to learn from their colleagues and peers in China."
While both Gutmann and Zhou were optimistic about Penn-China and U.S.-China relations, Zhou emphasized that the U.S. is damaging its relationship with China by selling arms to Taiwan.
Zhou also said China is very concerned about the international economic crisis and suggested that the U.S. reduce its deficit by welcoming Chinese investors.
"Often we see barriers to that kind of investment, [which] is seen as a threat to [U.S.] superiority," he said. "We hope people will give this notion a second thought."
Professors and students alike were drawn to the event.
Bijun Huang, a second-year Penn Law student, said she attended the lecture because she plans to write a paper about securities laws in China for her seminar on Chinese economic reforms.
Also in attendance was Chinese Law professor Jacques deLisle, who researches Chinese international law and law reform.
According to Brenda Brand of the University Secretary's office, Zhou met with Penn students who are conducting research on various issues related to China earlier that day.
She added that Zhou has traveled to several other American universities, including Brown and Indiana University, to promote "better relationships between America and China through relationships with universities."
