Political reform in China is topic at Rice’s Baker Institute April 6

MEDIA ADVISORY

Jeff Falk
jfalk@rice.edu
713-348-6775

Political reform in China is topic at Rice’s Baker Institute April 6

HOUSTON – (March 30, 2015) – A panel of experts will discuss the current state of political and economic reforms in China at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy April 6.

The recent meetings of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference ended with calls for economic and political reforms.

Hosted by the institute’s China Studies and International Economics programs in conjunction with Rice’s Chao Center for Asian Studies, the event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Who: Panelists: Jon Taylor, professor of political science at the University of St. Thomas; Aynne Kokas, assistant professor of media studies at the University of Virginia and nonresident scholar in the Baker Institute’s China Studies Program; Russell Green, the Will Clayton Fellow in International Economics at the Baker Institute and an adjunct assistant professor of economics at Rice; and Steven Lewis, the C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow at the Baker Institute and professor in the practice and associate director of the Chao Center.

Allen Matusow, director of academic affairs at the Baker Institute and the William Gaines Twyman Professor of History at Rice, will serve as moderator.

What: Panel on “Political Reform in China.”

When: 4 p.m. Monday, April 6. A reception will follow the discussion.

Where: Rice University, James A. Baker III Hall, Kelly International Conference Facility, 6100 Main St.

The recent meetings of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference ended with calls for economic and political reforms, including gradual judicial reform, closer integration of civilian and military organs, reform of state-owned enterprises and promotion of the rule of law. At the same time, China is facing an economic slowdown, leading some to wonder if the Communist Party leadership will scale down their anti-corruption campaign to focus on stimulating economic development, according to event organizers. At the event, the panelists will discuss the current state of reforms in China and what lies ahead for the country.

The public must register to attend this event at http://bakerinstitute.org/events/register/1715/?submit=RSVP.

For a map of Rice University’s campus with parking information, go to www.rice.edu/maps. Media are advised to park in the Central Campus Garage.

Members of the news media who want to attend must RSVP to Jeff Falk, associate director of national media relations at Rice, at jfalk@rice.edu or 713-348-6775.

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Founded in 1993, Rice University’s Baker Institute ranks among the top 10 university-affiliated think tanks in the world. As a premier nonpartisan think tank, the institute conducts research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute’s strong track record of achievement reflects the work of its endowed fellows, Rice University faculty scholars and staff, coupled with its outreach to the Rice student body through fellow-taught classes — including a public policy course — and student leadership and internship programs. Learn more about the institute at www.bakerinstitute.org or on the institute’s blog, http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog.