China Initiative Archives - Asian American Scholar Forum

Community Victory: Congress Removes China Initiative Language in 2026 Appropriations

January 12, 2026

On Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee advanced the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) bill, including report language that would effectively revive the discredited “China Initiative.” In response, 82 civil rights and Asian American advocacy organizations—led by Advancing Justice – AAJC, the Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), Stop AAPI Hate, and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA)—sent a letter urging lawmakers to remove the provision. Leaders warned that reinstating the China Initiative would again subject Asian American scholars to racial profiling, undermine U.S. innovation, and harm America’s global competitiveness.

Coalition of Over 80 Asian American Advocacy Organizations Secure Removal of ‘China Initiative’ Language from House CJS Appropriations Bill

January 8, 2026

Nearly 2,000 Scholars Nationwide Join Stanford Faculty in Opposing the Reinstatement of DOJ’s China Initiative – AASF Stands Firm on Support

October 28, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Dawn Crawford, media@aasforum.org, 720-231-1930 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The academic community is expressing its grave concerns about the detrimental impact of reinstating the

Asian American Scholar Forum Stands with 165+ Stanford Faculty in Opposing the Reinstatement of DOJ’s China Initiative, Urging Congress to Protect Asian American Scholars

October 8, 2024

Oct 8, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Dawn Crawford, media@aasforum.org, 720-231-1930 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) today issued a strong statement of

Letter from 166 Stanford Faculty Members Concerned about Reinstatement of China Initiative through FY25 Appropriations

October 8, 2024

Stop AAPI Hate, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Asian American Scholar Forum Condemn U.S.-China Legislation Rooted in Xenophobia

September 11, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTmedia@stopaapihate.orgMboykins@advancingjustice-aajc.orgmedia@aasforum.org September 11, 2024 — Stop AAPI Hate, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, and Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), issued the

Resource: The China Initiative – Why Asian Americans Should Oppose Efforts to Reinstate This Dangerous DOJ Program

September 9, 2024

Letter to Congress: Do Not Revive the China Initiative

September 9, 2024

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Johnson, and Democratic Leader Jeffries, We write to strongly oppose any legislation that seeks to reinstate the

AASF Celebrates Dr. Franklin Tao’s Appeal Victory

July 17, 2024

In a significant victory this week, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed the conviction of Dr. Feng “Franklin” Tao for making a materially false statement regarding his relationship with a university in China. AASF celebrates Dr. Tao’s relief and views this court decision as a crucial step toward rectifying the unjust treatment of Chinese American and immigrant scientists under the now-defunct “China Initiative”—a program that sparked concerns about racial profiling and targeting of Asian Americans and immigrants, particularly of Chinese descent.

AASF Condemns Another Attempt to Reinstate the ‘China Initiative’

May 22, 2024

The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), an organization that led 50+ organizations with coalition partners to prevent the reinstatement of the Department of Justice’s “China Initiative,” condemns the recent committee mark-up vote of HR 1398 “Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act,” and all efforts to reinstate the discriminatory ‘China Initiative’ program.