AAA Panel | Chinese American: Loyalty under scrutiny? A national security conversation on identity and patriotism with MIT and Harvard Law School faculty.

Join us for a panel discussion that explores the complex intersection of national security, identity, and patriotism in the context of U.S.- China relations. This timely conversation ahead of the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) heritage month and a proposed reinstatement of the CCP initiative (H.R.1398) will explore how Chinese Americans have often been scrutinized under the guise of national security. The panel will also delve into how stereotypes and heuristics can quickly brand Chinese Americans as “guilty by association” due to their heritage.

This panel will feature:

Professor Gang Chen (Panelist, MIT): The Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering at MIT, was wrongfully prosecuted in January 2021 under the Department of Justice's’ "China Initiative”. Professor Chen, a Chinese American academic, faced intense scrutiny and prosecution before all charges were dismissed in January 2022. Professor Chen will share his personal story of being targeted, reflecting on its impact and the broader challenges faced by Chinese Americans in academia amidst geopolitical tensions.

Professor Yasheng Huang (Panelist, MIT Sloan): The Epoch Foundation Professor of International Management at MIT Sloan, is a leading expert in international business, political economy, and global management. Growing up during the Cultural Revolution in China, Professor Huang has spoken about how Chinese Americans often face a "double bind"—being seen as outsiders in both the U.S. and China. This dual scrutiny complicates their ability to navigate identity and patriotism.

Professor Mark Wu (Panelist, Harvard Law School): The Henry L. Stimson Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and Faculty Director of the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, Professor Wu specializes in international trade law, economic statecraft, and global governance. Professor Wu has also served two stints in government, as a Senior Advisor and as Director for Intellectual Property in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Professor Wu brings a legal perspective on how national security policies intersect with racial and cultural identity.


Jonathan "JQ" Qu (Moderator, MIT Sloan): A first-year MBA student and former Chinese American Department of Defense analyst who is passionate about Asian American advocacy.

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Co-hosted with: Asian American Alliance (OWNER), MIT Sloan Global Security Technology Club, MIT Sloan Business and Government Club

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