University students interested in China will no longer have to commit to a major to learn about the country.

An information session was held Wednesday for the flagship chapter of the Georgia China Alliance at the University.

The Georgia China Alliance is a group for students who share an interest in the country.

GA CHINA ALLIANCE
When: 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 5
Where: Room 348, Student Learning Center

“There are people with an interest in China, and this is about having a forum for discussion,᾿said Evan Randall, a senior from Kennesaw. “Call me idealistic, but that’s how education occurs and that’s what will lead to peace between the two countries.᾿/p>

Randall said many people cite economic progress as a way to bring peace between America and China, but he thinks understanding of the country will help as well.

Some students hoped to benefit from the many business relations available through American and Chinese economic partnerships.

Grady Kendrick, a freshman from Marietta, said he attended the information session “to be more informed about job opportunities in China.᾿/p>

Many students interested in the organization take China-related classes at the University.

Fei He, a freshman from Alpharetta, attended the information session.

“I just thought it was interesting, and I just wanted to see what it was all about,᾿He said. “They’re going to be working together a lot in the future,᾿she said of the relationship between Georgia and China.

Randall expressed hopes that the organization will allow students to share their own views on and interests in China.

“Being in an environment where everyone shares your interests and is supportive is a great way to learn about public speaking,᾿Randall said.

The student-led Georgia China Alliance is a branch of the Atlanta-based chamber of commerce under the same name and was founded by state Sen. Sam Zamarippa in 2004, Randall said.

The first official meeting of the organization is next Wednesday.

“This is the beginning of a membership drive,᾿Randall said. “Students should come out because they like China and they want to learn more.᾿br>