PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: January 6, 2005
Contact: Christy Boardman (202) 225-6365

Washington, DC – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that he will lead a delegation of 10 Members of the US House of Representatives to the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Korea. 

The delegation’s purpose is to assess military and economic trends in these countries and their effect on American relations. The Members will depart today, Thursday, January 6, 2005 and return Sunday, January 16, 2005.

While on the trip the delegation will:

· Tour Chinese military facilities, ports, and shipyards;
· Meet with Chinese and Korean diplomats and officials;
· Meet with the Chairman of the ROK National Assembly’s Defense Committee, the Korean counterpart to the House Armed Services Committee;
· Observe Korea's demilitarized zone (DMZ), a narrow strip of land that separates Communist North Korea from the Republic of Korea;
· Meet with American entrepreneurs in China; and
· Observe operations at Chinese steel mills.

“With all eyes pealed on Iraq and terrorism, few truly have an understanding of the changing global trends that will be influencing America’s economy and defense in the coming decade,” Congressman Forbes said. “As we move into a new year, we need to be mindful of and vigilant to these developments. My colleagues and I are looking forward to taking a first-hand look at China and Korea so we may better understand how these nations and their policies will impact America in the coming years.” 

The following Members will be traveling with Congressman Forbes: Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO), Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC),Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN), Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA), Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM), and Del. Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU). 

Congressman Forbes will be accepting media inquiries following his return to Virginia.

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