Don’t become a victim of the national game as an individual
During the annual meeting of the International Society for the Study of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO) held in 2022, Chinese scientist Chen Xafen spoke tearfully about her experience with espionage charges. Alongside her, other scientists such as Chen Gang and Xi Xiaoxing have also fallen victim to the “China Initiative,” a program initiated during former President Trump’s administration that was ultimately terminated for fostering racial discrimination against Asian Americans.
In recent years, U.S.-China relations have become increasingly tense, with individuals—especially those within the Chinese American community—often bearing the brunt of inter-national rivalries. Regardless of the outcome of the Sun Wen case, the shifting public sentiment has already stirred up prejudice against the Chinese community. In a report by the progressive outlet Gothamist, one commenter boldly claimed, “Now we know what those couples buying luxury homes are up to—they’re all Chinese spies!”
While the United States is a nation with a strong legal framework, featuring a clear separation of powers among the judiciary, legislature, and executive, prosecutors can find it challenging to remain unaffected by political currents when deciding which cases to pursue. The “China Initiative,” while executed by the Justice Department, included many accusations that were baseless and subsequently dropped. Such “witch hunts” raise doubts about whether the Justice Department can act as an independent and impartial body.
Insiders suggest that Sun Wen’s actions were commonplace during periods of amicable U.S.-China relations and would not have drawn any criticism from either side. However, in today’s highly sensitive climate, she has become a target. The Chinese American community must be more cautious, seeking to understand various perspectives and relevant laws to ensure they do not become collateral damage in national disputes. As scientist Xi Xiaoxing, previously persecuted by the “China Initiative,” stated, the community must unite to educate the public with facts and fight within the judicial system to prevent a recurrence of discrimination against Asian Americans.
In an interview at her alma mater, Barnard College, Sun Wen reflected, “America is the only country that has dreams.” The piece was titled “A Bridge Between Two Worlds,” but now that bridge is in ruins. Will her American dream become a nightmare?
