The day began with a meeting at the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS). Essentially, CIIS is a think tank, akin to the Brookings Institute.
Welcomed by the Director upon our arrival for a brief introduction to CIIS he quickly departed after his opening remarks. We were left with an intelligent set of young scholars furiously studying international affairs and China's relations with the United States. Of course a polite conversation ensued about North Korea and Taiwan. We are surely not there to negotiate a change in our two country's position on these very complex issues.
Yet, we were there to promote understanding and gain insights into how Chinese scholars help formulate government positions on issues of concern to China. Mission accomplished in this meeting for sure. Frankly, I was quite impressed with their insights and thinking about the global realignment occuring. When talk moved away from the Korean Peninsula and Taipei to discussions about the Middle East for instance all parties were able to find some common ground. Perhaps here both countries can expand the pie a bit and begin to work more cooperatively.
Next we were off to our meeting with Director General Mr. Qi Bin who heads research for the China Securities Regulatory Commission. Much like our SEC the CSRC regulates the capital markets and Chinese stock exchanges. His role is to assist in the organized development of the Chinese Capital Markets through research aimed at developing sound policies to ensure healthy growth.
He hails from the University of Chicago and Goldman Sachs among other impressive institution. As my friends in Boston would say, "Wicked Smart"! Our time with him for Q & A was unfortunately limited but his presentation was fascinating. He was the first U.S. educated Chinese student we met on our trip and it is clear that exporting U.S. education has greatly benefited the growth of their capital markets. Then, after a quick lunch, we were off to a formal meeting with the head of the National Bureau of Statistics.
The meeting of the day was really the last. We met with Vice President Lu Yongzheng of the All China Youth Federation. Later I will post my thoughts about his answer to my question, "If there is an American Dream, what is the Chinese Dream?"
