New York, NY — Committee of 100, a nonprofit organization of prominent Chinese Americans, today issued the following statement expressing concern about remarks on Chinese students made by Senator Jim Risch in the recent committee hearing “The Malign Influence of The People’s Republic of China at Home and Abroad: Recommendations for Policy Makers.”

The Senator’s remarks, in part read …’the difference is, Chinese students here in the U.S. are not studying ancient Greek history. They’re here studying STEM and national security issues. And each one of them, whether they like it or not, is an agent of the Chinese Communist Party.’

“To suggest that every Chinese student regardless of their background, intentions, or beliefs is a national security threat is not only inaccurate but also fuels xenophobia, discrimination, and hostility toward an entire group of people – including Chinese Americans here in the U.S.,” said Gary Locke, Committee of 100 Chair and former U.S. Ambassador to China. “Chinese and Chinese American students have long contributed to America’s scientific, technological, and economic progress, and such rhetoric undermines their ability to learn, collaborate, and thrive in an environment free from suspicion and prejudice. Committee of 100 calls on all our nation’s leaders to uphold the American values of fairness, openness, and equal opportunity. America’s strength comes from welcoming diverse talent from all around the world.” 

About Committee of 100

Committee of 100 is a nonprofit U.S. leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, healthcare, and the arts focused on public policy engagement, civic engagement, and philanthropy. For over 35 years, Committee of 100 has served as the preeminent organization committed to the dual missions of promoting the full participation of Chinese Americans in all aspects of American life and constructive relations between the United States and Greater China. Visit https://www.committee100.org for more information.

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