About us - Committee of 100

The leading organization for Chinese Americans on civic engagement, public policy, arts, culture and philanthropy

Committee of 100 is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, science, technology, and the arts. The organization was formed following the aftermath of Tiananmen Square. At the urging of Dr. Henry Kissinger, renowned architect I.M. Pei assembled an exceptional group of Chinese Americans to address the critical issues impacting the Chinese community in America and help foster positive relations between the U.S. and Greater China. This group of luminaries — Yo-Yo Ma, I.M. Pei, Henry S. Tang, Oscar Tang, Chien Shiung Wu, and Shirley Young — became the first generation of Committee of 100 members.

The name “Committee of 100” derives from a blend of inspirations of ‘We the People’ and an ancient Chinese idiom, 老百姓 (lao bai xing) to reflect both American values and Chinese culture. Translated directly, the characters 老百姓 mean ‘old (老) hundred (百) names (姓)’. Figuratively, 老百姓 represents everyone in the community. By adopting the name Committee of 100 (百人會) , the Committee of 100 Members aimed to embody the American spirit encapsulated in ‘We the People’ and interweave it with the tapestry of Chinese history.

Key moments from our history

1989

Committee of 100 is founded by Yo-Yo Ma, I.M. Pei, Henry S. Tang, Oscar Tang, Chien-Shiung Wu, and Shirley Young.

1991

Committee of 100 holds a conference in San Francisco with both American and Chinese Ambassadors presenting on the state of U.S.-China relations.

1998

The White House invites Committee of 100 to present the white paper, “Seeking Common Ground While Respecting Differences,” to National Security Adviser Sandy Berger in preparation for President Clinton’s state visit to China.

2000

Committee of 100 leads a delegation of more than a dozen Asian American organizations to raise the national awareness of the denial of due process in the Wen Ho Lee case.

2001

Committee of 100 publishes the national opinion survey “American Attitudes Towards Chinese Americans and Asian Americans,” documenting previously little-known facts about American public opinion on China.

2011

Committee of 100 hosts a Congressional briefing on the U.S.-China relationship on Capitol Hill. More than 70 Congressional members and staff participate.

Our mission

With a dual mission, Committee of 100’s purpose is to provide leadership and act as a constructive force in promoting the full participation of all Chinese Americans in American society and acting as a public policy resource for the Chinese-American community; and advancing constructive dialogue and relationships between the peoples and leaders of the United States and Greater China.