The China Center welcomed Jon Huntsman, former U.S. ambassador to China and twice-elected governor of Utah, to speak about opportunities and challenges in China as part of the 13th annual Bob and Kim Griffin “Building U.S.-China Bridges Lecture” on April 22, 2014. More than 500 tickets were reserved by the public for the event at the McNamara Alumni Center, which was part of the China 100 Symposium: “U, Minnesota and China Looking Forward to the Next Century.
University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler provided opening remarks where he highlighted the 100-year bond between the University and China, and shared his high hopes for the future of the University’s continued relationship with China. President Kaler also expressed his appreciation for events such as the Griffin Lecture that encourage and foster international relationships.
Ambassador Huntsman, who is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, touched on topics such as pollution, China’s unstable relationships with surrounding countries, the country’s financial system, and urbanization, among other matters. Firm in his belief that the students of today will play a key role in determining the trajectory of the U.S.-China relationship, he concluded his statement with a call to action to recognize, and accept without fear, the importance and impending rise of China.
Ambassador Huntsman then sat down with Eric Schwartz, dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, for a question-and-answer session.
About the Lecture
The lecture series is endowed through a generous gift from Bob and Kim Griffin. The Griffins are committed to promoting mutual respect between U.S. and Chinese cultures and are passionate about connecting people with China.