CNA Establishes China Studies Center Inaugural Event To Be Held March 27

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA — Robert Murray, president of CNA (CNA), today announced the establishment of the China Studies Center, creating one of the largest China analysis programs in the country; and announced that the Center's first event will be held March 27, 2007.

"Establishing the China Studies Center brings additional emphasis, focus and expertise to an area that has been important at CNA for nearly ten years," Murray said. Since 1998, CNA has engaged in deep research on critical developments in China for a wide range of clients. This work, Murray explained, provides the new Center with a strong foundation of expertise in Chinese affairs, as well as a network of specialists and extensive connections throughout China. "The Center will serve as an exceptional resource for anyone in need of a thorough, comprehensive understanding of where China stands today, and where it's headed tomorrow."

Murray also announced the Center would be holding its inaugural event, featuring Ambassador Chas. W. Freeman, Jr., on the evening of Tuesday, March 27, 2007 in Washington, DC. "We're pleased and honored that Ambassador Freeman has agreed to serve as the speaker for our first event," Murray said. Freeman, whose China experience spans more than three decades, will be the first speaker in a year-long series entitled "China's Challenges and the Challenge of China."

The China Studies Center will provide the American public, business leaders, and government officials with the insights and analyses needed for making informed judgments when developing their plans and policies on China. Noted China specialist Dr. David Finkelstein serves as the Center's director and leads a team of 15 specialists. "Over the years we have assembled an extraordinary team of China specialists," said Finkelstein. "They have all lived, worked, or studied in China; Mandarin is their working research language, and they come with diverse life's experiences from the corporate sector, government, and academia."

The Center will offer a wide range of public events and publications, and featuring for 2007, lectures on "China's Challenges and the Challenge of China" — a series of monthly events where leading China specialists, current and former government officials, and business leaders will address critical domestic challenges facing China and what these challenges mean for U.S. interests.

For more information on CNA's China Studies Center visit www.cna.org/centers/china, or contact the Center's Deputy Director, Kristen Gunness, at gunnesk@cna.org