EIU Media Relations

International Forum to Focus on "War and Peace in Asia-Pacific Region"

Continuing its tradition of bringing world events closer to the campus of Eastern Illinois University, the EIU Public Policy Institute is planning yet another international forum.

Policy makers and other experts will discuss war and peace in the Asia-Pacific region during a half-day event that is to include a keynote address, two panel discussions and a public reception. Activities are scheduled to take place Thursday, Sept. 30.

Raymond Burghardt, chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan, will present the forum's keynote address from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Dvorak Concert Hall, located in EIU's Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Burghardt, who is involved in the organization of the 2011 APEC Summit taking place in Honolulu, will offer some facts concerning the conference, including the significance of the event, as part of his remarks. He also plans to discuss security issues involving the entire Asia-Pacific region.

He assumed his current post at the American Institute in Taiwan - a corporation created by the U.S. government to manage U.S.-Taiwan relations -- in 2005, having first been appointed by then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and reappointed by Hillary Clinton. Previously, among many other posts during his career, Burghardt served as special assistant to President Ronald Reagan for Latin American affairs, and minister (deputy chief) to the U.S. Embassy in both Seoul, Korea, and Manila, Philippines.

Earlier, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m., respectively, panelists will discuss " Perilous Strait : Continuing Taiwan-China Crisis" and "Security and Economic Development in Asia " in the Charleston/Mattoon Room (third floor) of Eastern's MLK Jr. Union.

Participants are to include Charles Salmon Jr., foreign policy director of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies of the U.S. Pacific Command; Perry Shen, Taiwan consul general in Chicago; and scholars from regional universities.

Immediately following the second discussion, EIU President Bill Perry will host a public reception for EIU guests from 5 to 5:45 p.m. in Seventh Street Underground, located in the lower level of the MLK Jr. Union (east wing).

Admission to all events is free and open to the public.