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4th China-America Student Conference

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What Is the China-America Student Conference?

Inspired by the 89-year legacy of the Japan-America Student Conference (JASC), the China-America Student Conference (ChASC) is an academically rigorous and culturally immersive program that aims to promote friendship, trust, and mutual understanding amid increasing U.S.-China tensions. Over the course of this two week exercise in people-to-people diplomacy, chosen delegates representing the United States of America and China will live, travel, converse, and gain a firsthand understanding of the ever-evolving and multifaceted bilateral relationship. As a student-run and student-led conference, ChASC empowers young leaders by providing them with an unparalleled opportunity for in-depth discussions about timely issues and engaging in cooperative dialogue. Upon completion of the program, delegates will emerge with lifelong, cross-cultural friendships and the newfound perspective necessary to make meaningful contributions on both the world stage and within their local communities.

中美学生会议是什么？

承袭自日美学生会议（JASC）已有的89年的历史，中美学生会议（ChASC）旨在促进友谊、信任和相互理解，是一个学术严谨的文化沉浸式项目，意在缓解不断升级的中美紧张关系。在为期两周的人际外交活动中，来自美国和中国的两方代表将共同生活、旅行、交流，并深入了解不断发展和多层次的双边关系。作为一个由学生主导的会议，ChASC通过提供深入讨论及合作对话的绝佳机会，赋予年轻领袖力量。我们相信，完成项目后，代表们将拥有终生的跨文化友谊以及在国际和本地中做出有益贡献的焕新视角。

From Reflection to Connection: Lessons From the Past, Visions For the Future

从反思到联结: 回溯过去，展望未来

June 3rd-15th, 2024 | Chicago, Illinois and Washington, D.C.


Reflecting on Shared Histories

The 4th China-America Student Conference (ChASC4) invites participants to embark on a journey that begins with deep reflection on the shared histories of the United States and China. Delegates will explore the historical context, diplomatic milestones, and cultural exchanges that have shaped the complex tapestry of the US-China relationship. This comprehensive understanding of the past equips future leaders with the insights needed to navigate the relationship’s complexities and implications.

Connecting the Dots to Today

Understanding the past is merely the first step. The past continually informs the present, and ChASC4 encourages participants to apply their knowledge and experiences to the current context. By forging connections between people, delegates will bridge theory with real-world practice, enhancing the dynamics of today’s U.S.-China relations. 

Nurturing a Harmonious Tomorrow

ChASC4 emphasizes trust-building, mutual understanding, and the cultivation of innovative solutions in order to strengthen the U.S.-China relationship. Delegates will not only address contemporary challenges and issues, but those at the forefront of the geopolitical landscape. This transformative experience allows delegates to learn from history, discover common ground, and pave a path toward a brighter, more harmonious future. 

沉思公共历史

以回望中美历史为始，第四届中美学生会议（ChASC4）邀请参与者踏上一段奇妙旅程，参与者将探索塑造中美关系复杂结构的历史背景、外交节点和文化互动，对过去全面了解的角度将为未来领袖提供应对纷繁外交关系的新鲜视野。

立足当下局势

理解过去只是第一步。我们从过去汲取应对当下的不竭养料。ChASC4鼓励参与者将他们的知识和经验应用于当前背景。通过建立人脉网络，代表们将理论与实践相结合，旨在激发当今美中关系的潜在动力。

孕育和谐未来

ChASC4强调互信互通，共商共建以面对中美关系。与会期间，代表们不仅尝试解决当下挑战，还将应对地缘政治格局的前沿问题。这一变革性体验将使代表们从历史中探寻经验、求同存异，以通向更加明亮和谐的前进道路。

Check out our pictures on our Flickr!

Summary of the 4th China-America Student Conference 

From Reflection to Connection: Lessons From the Past, Visions For the Future.

With the dynamic landscape of U.S.-China relations always evolving, the 4th China-America Student Conference (ChASC4) continues to provide a comprehensive and immersive approach to exploring the bilateral relationship. From June 3rd to 15th, 2024, delegates from China and the United States engaged in programming that unfolded in two iconic American cities: Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. The conference successfully blended interactive events with high-profile speakers, creating an educational and engaging experience for all participants.

Since ChASC is still in relative infancy compared to its sister conferences, a priority for this year’s conference was expanding the number of participants. Overall, this endeavor was a success as the 2024 delegation nearly doubled in size compared to last year. However, given the relatively new start for ChASC as a whole, keeping the intimate and personal nature of a small conference remained one of the key priorities as ChASC is still heavily reliant on positive word of mouth.

Seventeen students participated in this year’s ChASC (though one Chinese EC could not attend in person) with five students representing China, and twelve representing the United States. This intimate size allowed the delegates to become better familiar with each other and comfortable having open and honest conversations.

The 2024 ChASC took full advantage of visiting two very different cities. In Chicago, delegates explored the city’s significant Midwestern representation in U.S.-China relations and its vibrant cultural scene. The conference utilized Chicago’s rich history of international dialogue and economic importance to delve into key topics, such as economics and sister-city relations. Highlights included visits to the Chinese Consulate and discussions on the city’s presence in a less represented region of the US, as well the cultural aspects of Chicago’s architecture and its striking Chinatown.

The conference then moved to Washington, D.C., where delegates engaged with the city’s historic and political environment. This segment of the conference provided opportunities to explore U.S. government institutions and their roles in international diplomacy. Notable activities included briefings at the U.S. Department of State and The Asia Group, offering delegates insights into diplomatic initiatives and business advisory roles. However, despite the busy nature of the conference, ChASC4 was mindful of providing delegates with adequate free time to explore aspects of the cities that were not part of the programming, which included visiting the city’s many monuments, historical museums, and popular restaurants.

This year’s conference also saw the first time Roundtables and The Final Forum were introduced to the format, which culminated in a public presentation in Washington, DC at Trinity University. Although this addition was an intensive addition to the already busy conference, this year’s delegates stepped up and delivered project presentations based on proposals surrounding the RT topics; these included ideas concerning subnational agreements, policy proposals for cultural scholarships, and better joint-based education on an international scale.

Supporters

Thank you to the generous supporters of the 4th China-America Student Conference:

2024 Scholarships Provided by:

  • International Student Conferences Plant a Diplomatic Tree Scholarship
  • Anonymous
  • University of Hawa’ii – Mañoa
  • Washington & Lee
  • The Asia Group Foundation

2024 In-Kind Supporters:

  • Korean Economic Institute America
  • The Asia Group
  • Consulate-General of The People’s Republic of China in Chicago
  • US-China Heartland Association
  • The Chicago Sister Cities International
  • University of Chicago