Chinese Embassy Hosts Fletcher Alumni
Embassy of the People's Republic of ChinaStory by Uzma Wahhab
On September 5, 2007 the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China hosted a dinner reception for the Fletcher DC Club. By all accounts, the night was a great success. Over 90 Fletcherites and their guests attended, representing an extremely diverse group of alumni – including a range of different graduating classes, professions, and, of course, countries of residence. The guests all extend their thanks to the hosts and organizers for such a wonderful night.
Organized by Shifan Wu (Political Section at Embassy, Fletcher MA '02) and Maria Stephan (MALD ’02; PhD ’05), the centerpiece of the event was the address given by Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong, the Chinese Ambassador to the US. It was an honor to have been addressed by the Ambassador and gracious of him to also provide a question and answer period. After praising the long-standing exchange program involving Chinese diplomats at Fletcher and quipping about the depth and breadth of the Fletcher alumni base in DC, the Ambassador highlighted his views of current issues facing China-US relations including, among other things, security issues, human rights abuses in Darfur and trade. The Ambassador also highlighted issues that are of particular significance to the PRC, including, for example, internal job growth.
After his speech, Ambassador Wenzhong received warm words of thanks from Stephan and Dr. Hans Binnendijk (F ’70, ’71, 72). Dr. Binnendijk, who is a member of the Fletcher Board of Overseers, has assumed prominent positions in government and the academy, including serving as special advisor to President Clinton on the National Security Council. Dr. Binnendijk mentioned that Dean Bosworth and President Bacow visited China earlier this month to discuss academic partnerships; they also met with Fletcher alumni in Shanghai and Beijing during the visit. Dr. Binnendijk’s remarks, which included a funny anecdote about daughter Anika (MALD ’06, PhD candidate) waving “goodnight to China” as a child when the family lived across the street from the Chinese embassy on Connecticut Ave., set a warm tone for conversations about US-China relations, which he said are beset with challenges and opportunities.
After the speeches, the group enjoyed the benefits of the chef’s hard work: an amazingly varied and delicious buffet. Vegetarians, pescatarians and carnivores all ate well and appreciated the hospitality of the Chinese Embassy. Drink glasses were refreshed throughout the evening with beverages showcasing a variety of what China has to offer – including a surprisingly good red wine.
Within the crowd, guests were appreciative of the opportunity to meet Fletcher alum from a variety of classes, gain a little wisdom, share some stories and hear about more recent happenings at the school. Especially convivial conversation was overheard involving the newest member of the Fletcher Board of Overseers, Nihal Goonewardene (F ’73). The reception also presented a great opportunity for Fletcher alumni to interact with Chinese diplomats. Typical of Fletcherites, conversations were easy and flowed throughout the evening.
As one attendee, Greg Scarlatoiu noted, it was a "great opportunity to catch up with the D.C. gang. I would like to thank our colleagues Shifan Wu and Maria Stephan for organizing this encounter with our gracious Chinese hosts. . . . The highest point of the evening: definitely, the Maotai shots." Gambei!
Many thanks again to the Ambassador, Embassy staff and organizers. Looking forward to sharing more stories from the next event.
Photos of the reception can be viewed at: http://www.fletcherclubofdc.org/image/tid/20