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The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) applauds the publication of “Getting China Right at Home: Addressing the Domestic Challenges of Intensifying Competition” from the Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs (ACF) at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).

This weighty report explores how the United States can effectively shape China policy while safeguarding domestic economic and national security interests. This timely publication arrives as policymakers and experts seek a balanced approach to navigating the complex tradeoffs in U.S.-China relations. Authored by a distinguished group of scholars, policymakers, and advocates—including contributions from AASF leadership Professor Yasheng Huang (in his personal capacity) and Executive Director Gisela Perez Kusakawa — the report addresses critical issues such as technological competition, national security, trade policies, and the impact of U.S.-China relations on American workers, businesses, and communities.

In her introduction, Jessica Chen Weiss, the David M. Lampton Professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS and inaugural faculty director of ACF, underscores the importance of domestic policy considerations in shaping U.S. strategy towards China.

AASF leaders’ contributions to the report highlight the importance of experts answering complex questions with an intersectional approach across different sectors, such as national security, law, and international and domestic policies to ensure Asian American scholars, scientists, and researchers are not unduly harmed.

As a leading national expert on U.S.-China policy, Professor Yasheng Huang, Epoch Foundation Professor of International Management and Professor, Global Economics and Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, contributed in his personal capacity a memo to the report “Scientists Are Mired in China-U.S. Tensions,” in which he highlighted that to address political challenges, “the community of Chinese American researchers and educators must balance transparency and compliance with advocacy and awareness.” He concluded that by “[a]ctively engaging in policy discussions, forming alliances with other communities, and openly addressing issues of discrimination and profiling, the community can better advocate for its rights and interests.”

Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director of the Asian American Scholar Forum, emphasized the significance of the report’s findings for the Asian American scholar, scientific, and research community. “Many Asian American scholars have faced undue scrutiny as a result of U.S.-China tensions. This report offers a nuanced discussion of how to balance security concerns with our American principles of freedom and due process. I am honored to contribute to this important dialogue.” Kusakawa contributed the legal perspective to the report in her memo entitled, “Case Studies of Asian Americans Accused of Espionage.”