In September 2007, the National Committee kicked off a program for mid-career officers in the United States armed services who have been fast-tracked for top leadership positions. Because these officers do not focus on China in their daily work, the purpose of these seminars is to provide them with a background on China and to brief them on issues not conventionally covered in their military training – issues such as China’s domestic politics, economic development, business and trade, foreign policy, rule of law, growth of civil society, environmental concerns and climate change, energy, and the use of soft power.

The Committee has brought together an impressive array of the country’s top China specialists to engage in thoughtful and lively discussions, first with naval officers (2007), followed in 2008 with the United States Air Force and in the summer of 2010, with the United States Army. Officers participating in the all of these seminars have come from a variety of posts and each bring unique perspectives to the sessions. A joint trip to China for selected military officers will be offered in the fall of 2010.

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