Dr. David Shambaugh - director of the China Policy Program at George Washington University - will headline the International Affairs Forum tonight (Wednesday) for a presentation called “Where Great Powers Meet: America and China in Asia."

Three years ago, IAF organized the region’s first conference on China. With regional businesses rapidly expanding partnerships with Asia, and NMC and TCAPs planning to increase education exchanges with China, IAF brought together 40 experts on foreign policy, business, education and culture to debate what these ties would mean for our region. Dr. David Shambaugh opened the conference with the presentation, "China in the 21st Century: Are We Ready?"

At tonight's event, Shambaugh (pictured) returns to Traverse City after spending the last six months based in Singapore examining the shifting dynamics of international relations in Asia, particularly the roles of the United States and China. He'll provide a firsthand report of what he discovered in Asian capitals including New Delhi, Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila and Hanoi. Attendees will also get an update on what’s happened between northern Michigan and China in the fields of education, business and tourism since the China Conference three years ago. What has grown? What has withered? And how have experts revised their thinking about the future?

The event will be held at NMC's Hagerty Center and kick off with a 5pm reception, followed by the 6pm presentation. NMC President Tim Nelson will give opening remarks. Admission is $15 for IAF members and $20 for non-IAF members and includes a hors d’oeuvre reception and cash bar.