An officer in China’s national police force will be on campus today to discuss the world’s most populous nation’s efforts to combat world terrorism.

Col. Xianming Kong, of China’s Ministry of Public Safety, will share his personal knowledge and experience in fighting terrorism throughout the world.

Kong helped coordinate security with the Secret Service for President George Bush’s Oct. 20 visit to Shanghai, China.

Y Pe Chen, a political science professor who helped organize Kong’s visit to Eastern, said Kong will inform attendees of China’s position on the very timely subject of terrorism.

“After Sept. 11, terrorism has become the most important issue of the day,” Chen said. “China is the largest nation in the world, with a 1.3 billion population. So, its cooperation with our government in this common fight against terrorism should be very important.”

A seven-member bipartisan panel of Illinois lawmakers who recently visited China also will take part in today’s discussion.

State Sen. Judy Myers will participate along with State Reps. Bob Biggins, Judy Erwin, Susanna Mendoza, Bill Black, Tim Osmond and Charles Hartke.

Chris Seper, an Eastern graduate and former editor of the Cambodia Daily who currently works for the Cleveland Plain Dealer also will take part in the panel discussion.

The forum will be held in the Charleston/Mattoon Room of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union from 4 to 6 p.m. An additional session focusing on human rights in China is scheduled for the same time and place on Tuesday.