The first Chinese-American to become America’s chief diplomat in the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Gary Locke is both popular and controversial in China for his easy-going and unassuming manner. Yet beyond the mixed reviews of his personal style, Locke is on the frontlines of the most significant issues in U.S.-China relations, from trade disputes and human rights concerns to clean-energy collaboration and the growing exchange of people and ideas at all levels.

Locke will be featured at the sixth annual “China Town Hall: National Reflections, Local Connections,” a live, national webcast presented at UB and 60 other venues throughout the United States on Oct. 29.

The event is organized by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and sponsored locally by the UB Confucius Institute, Asian Studies Program and the International Institute of Buffalo. The purpose of China Town Hall is to help Americans understand the dynamic U.S.-China relationship and answer their questions on the issues.

Prior to the webcast Andrew Mertha, professor of government at Cornell University, will speak at UB on the challenges facing China’s leadership in a talk entitled “Rushing Headlong into the Past: Anticipating China’s 18th Party Congress.”

Mertha will also lead a discussion and invite comments from the audience following Locke’s presentation.

The event, which is free of charge and open to the public, will begin with a reception for Mertha at 6 p.m. in 120 Clemens Hall, North Campus, followed by Mertha’s talk at 7 p.m. and the live national webcast at 8.

China Town Hall is a national day of programming on China organized annually by the National Committee on U.S.-China relations, with funding from the Starr Foundation. The webcast will be moderated by Stephen A. Orlins, president of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations.