TORONTO, March 12, 1997 -- With the recent death of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, the upcoming transfer of Hong Kong to mainland China, and the emerging trade opportunities with the world's most populous country, China continues to fascinate the rest of the world as a land of contradictions and potential.

The changing face of modern-day China will be examined at an upcoming symposium that has been organized by students majoring in international studies at York University's Glendon College. "China in the Changing Global Order: Challenges and Prospects for the 21st Century" will be held on Saturday, March 15 at 9:15 a.m. at Glendon College.

The symposium will feature panel discussions with various China specialists including academics and business people. "Our goal is to increase knowledge about China and to enhance our understanding of China," said Dominique Tanguay, a third-year student of international studies.

The symposium is just one part of a year-long project organized by the students. They are also planning a two-week study tour of China in partnership with Yantai University in China's Shandong province. The student trip to Shandong and Beijing will include meetings with Yantai University professors and students, with local government officials, newspaper representatives, and entrepreneurs from private, state-owned and multinational businesses in China. As well, each of the students will produce a major independent research paper on a topic of choice related to China.

The symposium begins in the cafeteria, York Hall, Glendon College. During the lunch break, Chinese cultural entertainers will be performing. All events will take place in the cafeteria unless otherwise stated. Theschedule follows:

9:15 a.m. - Opening Ceremony, Glendon College principal Dyane Adam.

9:45 a.m. Panel #1: "Sino-Canadian Relations: Where Are We Now?" Panelists include: York University political science professor Bernard Frolic, director of the Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies at York University and the University of Toronto; Gordon Houlden, director of the China division of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs; and Carleton University political science professor Jeremy Paltiel.

11:00 a.m. Panel #2: "Social Consequences of Economic Reforms." Speakers include: Michael Craig of Amnesty International; Angela Keller Herzog of the China Division of CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency); and Michael Copeland, professor of economics at York University and Master of Calumet College. Room 129, York Hall.

11:00 a.m. Panel #3: "Managing China's Market Transition." Speakers include: University of Toronto professor Victor Falkenheim, chair of East Asian Studies; Li Changhua of the consulting firm Deloitte & Touche; and commentator Evelyn Huang of the consulting firm KPMG. Room 204, York Hall.

12:15 p.m. Lunch and Entertainment: Chinese entertainers Shang E Fan playing the guzhung, a Chinese musical instrument; Maria Li singing solo soprano; and Li Du performing a classic Chinese dance.

1:30 p.m. Afternoon Commentary: Glendon College professor Yves Frenette, coordinator of the International Studies program; and York PhD student Jianj Hongkuan, an instructor with the Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies.

1:45 p.m. Panel #4: "Legal and Cultural Aspects of Doing Business in China." Discussion with: David Mulroney, executive director of the China Canada Business Council; Mark Rowswell, a consultant with Dashan Inc., a public relations firm with business connections to China; and Theodore C. Ling, a lawyer at Baker & McKenzie. Room 129, York Hall.

3:15 p.m. Panel #5. "Hong Kong After 1997." John Lam, senior vice-president, Ontario Region, The Hong Kong Bank of Canada; Dale Scott, vice-chair of the law firm Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt; and Glendon College political science professor Boon Cham.

4:45 p.m. Roundtable discussion: "Challenges and Prospects for the Next Century," chaired by Pei Wei Ni, bureau chief at CBC International. Panelists include: Chen Wenzhao, Consul General from the People's Republic of China; York University political science professor Paul Evans of the Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies; Angela Keller Herzog from CIDA; Mark Rowswell of Dashan Inc., and John Lam of the Hong Kong Bank of Canada.

The event has been organized by the International Studies Students' Association to coincide with the 35th anniversary of Glendon College. Glendon College is located at 2275 Bayview Avenue (at Lawrence). Parking spaces have been reserved for media, who should pick up a media pass from the information kiosk.

For more information, call:

Dominique Tanguay
Executive Member
International Studies Students' Association
(416) 440-9332

Mary Ann Horgan
Media Relations
York University
(416) 736-2100 ext. 22086
YU/025/97