The 4th China-America Student Conference (ChASC4) will be held in Chicago, Illinois and Washington, D.C. from June 3rd-15th, 2024.
Chicago, Illinois
June 3rd-9th, 2024
Smack dab in the heart of the American Midwest lies the third-largest city in the United States– Chicago, Illinois. Known as an international hub for finance, culture, and commerce, the city’s strategic location and robust infrastructure make it a significant player in global relations.
Chicago holds a multifaceted role in the realm of U.S.-China relations. Since 1985, the city has maintained a sisterhood with Shanghai and Shenyang, making China the only country with which it has more than one sister-city. Chicago also serve as the venue for numerous U.S.-China dialogues and summits, and is associated with influential figures in the bilateral relationship such as President Obama and notable Chinese dignitaries Vice Premier Liu Yandong and President Hu Jintao.
Given the importance of the U.S.’s economic relationship with China, Chicago provides an ideal backdrop for discussing economic and trade relations. Not only is Chicago home to the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, numerous multinational corporations are headquartered in the city, further strengthening economic ties.
Reputed for their resiliency, the people of Chicago are known for their down-to-earth attitudes and innovative culture. With significant contributions in hip-hop, world-class museums, sports dynasties, and iconic pizza, the city remains highly regarded as a pioneer in the world of music, art, sports, and food; it boasts diverse attractions including 300 public parks, architectural marvels, and over 450 retailers along the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue.
As the first site of the 4th China-America Student Conference, Chicago offers an enduring example of adaptability and innovation. Echoing the city’s resurgence after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, delegates will lay the groundwork for a stronger, more collaborative bilateral relationship. This summer, ChASC4 journeys to the Midwest to explore new horizons, to seek meaningful connections, and to forge a brighter future.
Anthony Bourdain, American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarianYou wake up in Chicago, pull back the curtain and you KNOW where you are. You could be nowhere else. You are in a big, brash, muscular, broad shouldered motherf***in’ city. A metropolis, completely non-neurotic, ever-moving, big hearted but cold blooded machine with millions of moving parts — a beast that will, if disrespected or not taken seriously, roll over you without remorse.
Washington, D.C.
June 9th-15th, 2024
Named in honor of the Founding Father himself, Washington, D.C. stands as the capital city of the United States. Revered as the “Seat of the Government,” it is where democracy, diplomacy, and history intersect. Where iconic institutions like the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court shape the nation’s most crucial decisions. And where landmarks such as the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument punctuate the legacy of American history.
Beyond its historical and political importance, D.C. also serves as a concentrated melting pot of international diversity. Home to over 170 embassies representing nations from around the globe, the city holds a prominent role in global diplomacy and cooperation. Alongside a multitude of international organizations and think tanks, the city fosters a distinct environment for cultural reciprocity, political discourse, and economic collaboration.
Located in the heart of the city, D.C.’s Chinatown provides a unique window into the past. After transforming from a predominantly German immigrant neighborhood to a predominantly Chinese community, Chinatown has been relentlessly faced with challenges such as gentrification, population decline, and the influx of national corporations. Despite the community’s delicate balance between renewal and preservation, Chinatown remains a cherished destination, illustrating the ability to endure in a dynamic world.
As one of the world’s political capitals, Washington D.C. is a place where theory and action coalesce, igniting aspirations for a more cooperative and constructive future. With its rich history and plethora of cultures, the city welcomes its visitors to not only engage first hand with diplomacy, but with its people as well. The 4th Annual China-America Student Conference welcomes you to the nation’s capital.
Washington is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm.
U.S. President John F. Kennedy