Student group aims to build ties with China

The Hopkins chapter of Global China Connection (GCC) will host a symposium this Saturday, inviting five speakers to discuss the environmental challenges that China will face in the coming decades as well as possible solutions to such challenges.

With over 70 chapters in the United States and China, GCC is an international organization that aims to raise social and political awareness among college students as China continues to emerge as a global power. 

“Our goal is to make connections and understand the business, politics and environment of China as it continues to influence global affairs,” GCC President Anson Shen said.

Shen, a Shanghai native, joined the club his sophomore year and made it one of his goals to create a larger GCC presence on the Homewood campus.

“We try to have both social and professional events, with one large event each semester,” Shen said. “For the symposium this Saturday, we have invited speakers from Harvard, Princeton, Hopkins and [The University of] Maryland to discuss environmental problems the Chinese currently face.”

The event, which was planned in collaboration with the Career Center, currently has over 70 people signed up to attend. Topics discussed in the symposium will include air pollution in China, long-term ecological changes in Chinese villages, future economic relations between the United States and China, China and the global marine environment and implementing alternative energy sources such as wind power in mainland China.

While the club has a solid core of 15 active members, Shen explained that there is still work to be done expanding and developing.

“We definitely need more structure. I know there are many people who have expressed [interest] in joining but are not yet actively involved,” he said.

GCC Vice President Ben Zhang also emphasized the club’s social obligations. 

“Originally when I joined, our club was mostly professional,” Zhang said. “While we had speaker events and internship panels, I always thought we were missing a social touch, a sense of club unity.”

Zhang, who is tasked specifically with organizing the upcoming symposium, joined GCC to get in touch which his heritage and engage with other Chinese students.

“I hope to learn about myself and keep myself updated on current affairs,” he said. “It is a good opportunity and platform to keep me updated on what is going on in China.”

After the symposium, the group plans to host several private events to initiate stronger bonds between its members.

“In addition to the bake sale we had earlier this week to raise money, I know we are planning a karaoke run as sort of a party for ourselves after the symposium,” Shen said. 

At present, approximately 70 percent of GCC’s members are of Chinese origin; however, all students interested in China are encouraged to take part. Looking ahead, the club hopes to recruit underclassmen next semester as several of the rising juniors plan to study abroad.

The symposium this weekend will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Hackerman Hall Auditorium. Although admission is free, attendees are required to RSVP online in advance.