2017 Leadership Scholarship Program Awards Ceremony

As C100’s signature event in China, the Leadership Scholarship Program was established in 2005 with the goal of recognizing and fostering the leadership potential of young Chinese students, encouraging better understanding and exchange between the U.S. and China. This year, 32 awardees selected from the top 18 institutions participated in the conference and mentoring program. Two panels were held: a panel discussion on “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” by LSP Alumni, and a panel discussion on “U.S.-China Relations: C100 Public Perceptions Opinion Survey 2017.” C100 member Dali Yang moderated the latter panel that featured fellow member George Koo; William Klein, Minister Counselor for Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing; William Zarit, Chairman of AmCham China; and Dr. Jia Qingguo, Dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University. The C100 LSP Awards Ceremony took place at the Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast, thanks to sponsor HNA Group, and featured C100 member and celebrity in multiple media Kelly Cha as the gala MC. Speakers at the gala included Long Yongtu, Chief Negotiator of China’s entry into the World Trade Organization and former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation; Tan Tianxing, Vice Minister of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office; and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad. Ambassador Branstad told the story of his personal relationship with President Xi Jinping formed decades ago on an Iowa farm when they both were young men starting political careers, and highlighted C100 for its support of the Fulbright Scholarships in China through the recent launch of the $1 million “C100 U.S.-China Fulbright Fund.” It is C100’s hope to strengthen the next generation of U.S.-China bridge builders through initiatives such as the Leadership Scholarship Program and the Fulbright Fund.