As China celebrates the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic on Oct 1, it will look back on six decades of tireless pursuit of becoming a “strong nation” that was often met by turmoil, chaos, and failures in the initial years. Following 30 years of breathtaking economic development, the country has indeed emerged as a strong nation on the global stage. But the challenge to build a modern political system remains daunting.
Political scientist Wang Zhengxu will discuss the lessons of the last 60 years and the challenges that China will continue to face as it seeks to build an effective state and democratic society. He takes a look into the future, examining the possibilities of China being a democratic state around 2049, in time for the 100th anniversary of the People’s Republic.
DATE: Thursday, September 24th
TIME: 12.30
VENUE: Singapore embassy, No. 1 Xiu Shui Bei Jie (go south from south gate of Ritan Park) 朝阳区建国门外秀水北街1号. Click here for map http://www.mfa.gov.sg/beijing/Embassy.pdf
电话（Tel）：65321115 ext. 223.
PLEASE NOTE: REPLY to fcccadmin@gmail.com to ensure clearance through the Singapore embassy’s security
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr Wang Zhengxu is a Senior Research Fellow and Research Coordinator at the University of Nottingham’s China Policy Institute. He researches Chinese politics, focusing on political reform and democratic changes. He has written and edited books, and penned journal articles on democratization in China and East Asia. His opinion pieces have been published in the Singapore-based Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao and other media. From this year, he is directing a Euro 1.43 million research project examining Chinese perception of the EU, and a Marie Currie Fellowship project examining local democratization in China.
Dr Wang got his PhD in Political Science and Higher Education from the University of Michigan in 2005. He enjoys competing in marathons and triathlons, as well as badminton and volleyball tournaments.
The Copenhagen climate change summit in December will be a defining moment for the people of the world in our attempts to rein in greenhouse gas emissions. A similar moment in history took place 20 years ago, when nations agreed to repair the ozone hole by outlawing chemicals responsible for ozone depletion. Under the landmark Montreal Protocol treaty, from January 1, 2010 – just about 100 days from now – the production and consumption of two egregious types of ozone-eating chemicals, CFCs and halons, used as refrigerants and in fire extinguishers, will be consigned to history books.
Rajendra Shende will discuss the lessons of the Montreal Protocol as world leaders grapple with the climate change threat, and outline the final target of the Montreal Protocol: HCFCs, which harm the ozone layer and are also powerful greenhouse gases, 2000 times as effective at heating the atmosphere as the most talked about greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.
DATE: Thursday, September 17th
TIME: 11am
VENUE: Culture Wing of Indian embassy (NOT at Indian embassy), Floor 11, East Tower, LG Twin Towers, Jianguomenwai Dajie (opposite Dongdaqiao Lu) Tel-6568 3218/3518/3618. 建国门外大街LG双子座大厦(东大桥路的对面)
ENTRANCE: free to members, 50 rmb to non-members
REPLY to fcccadmin@gmail.com to reserve your place and for entrance security
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Rajendra Shende leads the OzonAction Programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and advises 146 developing countries on how to get rid of ozone-depleting gases. A chemical engineer by training, Mr. Shende received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Protection Award in 2009. His hobbies include trekking in the Himalayas, organic farming and eco-blogging.
