Opening Statement of Larry M. Wortzel, Chairman
August 3, 2006
Washington, D.C.
Good morning and welcome to the seventh hearing of the U.S.-China Commission’s 2006 reporting cycle. Today, our primary question is, “What role does China seek in world affairs, and does China’s diplomacy reflect the character of a ‘responsible stakeholder’?” Our purpose is to collect information concerning the intentions of China’s global activities and the corresponding political, economic, and security-related influences of its diplomatic outreach.
This hearing will look at China’s diplomacy geographically through regional panels and also will investigate China’s foreign activities thematically through panels about China’s involvement in international organizations and its relationships with rogue nations. Tomorrow, this hearing will address the issue of energy security—a key factor in Chinese external activities with pronounced impact on U.S. interests in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
To help us understand these issues, we will be joined today by Senator James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma. In addition, a number of expert witnesses from the Government and private sector will offer their testimony and advice. Vice Chairman Carolyn Bartholomew and Commissioner Dan Blumenthal are serving as the co-chairs for today’s hearing and each has opening remarks. Once again, I welcome all of you to this hearing, and I now turn the proceedings over to Vice Chairman Carolyn Bartholomew.