China's Ambassador to U.S. to Speak at UW

Aug. 21, 2007 -- China’s ambassador to the United States, Zhou Wenzhong, will speak Thursday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. at the University of Wyoming Union ballroom.

His public talk, “China’s Peaceful Development and Sino-U.S. Relations,” is part of the UW Graduate School’s Distinguished Speakers Series. Admission is free.

On behalf of the People’s Republic of China, Zhou is responsible for all bilateral relations with the U.S. Department of State and other agencies. He represents his government's foreign policy position on issues such as trade relations, legal issues, immigration of Chinese nationals to the United States, China’s policy on energy development and other positions and policies.

Additionally, the ambassador oversees services that assist his citizens in their host country, the United States.

“Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong is a principal spokesperson for China in the world community and has had a long and illustrious career,” says Don Roth, dean of the UW Graduate School. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our graduate and undergraduate students to gain insight into world affairs by hearing a diplomat of Ambassadors Zhou's stature.”

In recognition of UW's dedication to expanding international collaborations, the ambassador also will establish a scholarship to support study abroad opportunities for UW students.

Formally titled “Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary” for the People’s Republic of China to the United States, Zhou joined China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1975. He has held numerous positions, including ambassador to the Chinese Embassy in both Washington D.C. and Sydney, Australia, and assistant minister and vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2007