March 20, 2009, Fukuoka - Despite the national holiday, over 50 people came to hear Dr. Denny Roy, senior fellow at the East West Center, talk about the rise of China at a program held at the Fukuoka American Center.

Dr. Roy noted how China's security policies have changed from the insecure China of the Mao era to the confident China today. He presented both optimistic and pessimistic views of China as a key player in the region, but said China will likely not become a bully as it would not be in its interests. As China grows more powerful, he noted, the U.S.-Japan relationship will become even more important.