Chas. W. Freeman, Jr. is a former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. After 30 years as a U.S. diplomat, he became the chairman of Projects International in 1995. He served as the principal interpreter during President Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972.

He is also currently president of the Middle East Policy Council, co-chair of the U.S. China Policy Foundation, vice-chair of the Atlantic Council, a trustee of the Institute for Defense Analyses — and a director of the Pacific Pension Institute.


Mr. Freeman has been published in The New York Times and wrote two books titled "Arts of Power: Statecraft and Diplomacy" and "The Diplomat's Dictionary." He attended the National Autonomous University of Mexico, received his A.B. from Yale University and a J.D. from the Harvard Law School.


He speaks fluent Chinese, French, Spanish and conversational Arabic. Mr. Freeman is the recipient of two Distinguished Public Service Awards, three Presidential Meritorious Service Awards and a Distinguished Honor Award.