A Professional Exchange with the Peoples Republic of China

People to People Ambassador Programs promotes friendly relations among all countries through the medium of scientific, professional, and technical exchange. During the first week of October 2000, People to People Ambassador Programs sponsored a professional exchange with the Peoples Republic of China in the area of Information Systems and Technology. Colleagues met to discuss common problems, compare recent findings, and evaluate areas for further collaborative efforts. The formal and informal exchange of information enabled all participants to bridge political and cultural differences and gain an understanding of each other's countries and perspectives. The delegation found that the problems and challenges presented by information technology are shared internationally.

ITINERARY

Day 1 -- Friday, September 29th

The delegation convened in Los Angeles at the the Westin Hotel at the Los Angeles Airport for a program orientation and departure briefing. Following a short dinner meeting, the delegation transferred to the airport.

Day 2 -- Saturday, September 30th

The delegation departed Los Angeles on Cathay Pacific to make a connection on Dragon Air in Hong Kong.

Day 3 -- Sunday, October 1st

Morning - Delegation departed Hong Kong for Beijing.

Afternoon - Delegation was introduced to the country guide, Mr. Tony Zhao Zhenzhuang, and the local guide, Mr. Nathan Lee. The delegation participated in an afternoon tour of the Summer Palace.

Day 4 -- Monday, October 2nd

Morning - Delegates met with representatives from the Beijing Oztime Education Network Co.

Afternoon - Delegates met with representatives from the Department of Computing Science and Technology, Tsinghua University.

Evening - Delegates attended a performance of the Peking Opera.

Day 5 -- Tuesday, October 3rd

Morning - Delegation met with representatives from the China Computer Federation, CCF.

Afternoon - Delegation met with representatives from Beijing Polytechnic University.

Late Afternoon - Delegates visited Tian'anmen Square.

Evening - Delegates attended a banquet at the Qiamnen Quanjude Peking Duck Restauarant.

Day 6 -- Wednesday, October 4th

Morning - Delegation visited the Forbidden City.

Afternoon - Delegation climbed the Great Wall of China.

Late Afternoon - Delegation visited a factory that produces "Cloisonne Ware".

Day 7 -- Thursday, October 5th

Morning - Delegation departed on Air China for Xi'an and upon arrival, were introduced to the local guide, Lucy.

Afternoon - Delegates visited the Shaanxi Provincial Museum.

Day 8 -- Friday, October 7th

Morning - Delegation toured the three pits that contain the famous life-size Terra Cotta Warriors followed by a visit to a Chinese family.

Afternoon - Delegated visited the School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiatong University.

Evening - Delegates attended the Tang Dynasty Dinner Theatre.

Day 9 -- Saturday, October 8th

Morning - Delegates visited the City Wall followed by a visit to a Chinese common market.

Afternoon - Delegation met with representatives from the Xi'an BitService Software Co., Ltd .

Day 10 -- Sunday, October 9th

Morning - Delegates met with representatives from the Chang'an Information Management Group Co. Ltd.

Afternoon - Delegation boarded China Northwest for Hong Kong.

Evening - Some delegates remained in Hong Kong for three additional days, others returned to Los Angeles.

The roots of People to People Ambassador Programs reach back to 1956 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded People to People. Eisenhower's perspective as Supreme Allied Commander and President led to his belief that private citizens reaching out in friendship to the people of other nations could make a significant contribution to world peace. In his "Report to the Nation" following the Geneva summit talks, President Eisenhower called for "increased visits by citizens of one country to another to give each the fullest opportunity to learn about the people of other nations..." Over the years, Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton have served as Honorary Chairman of People to People International.