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FBI ‘did not intend negative impact’ of prosecuting Chinese academics with ties to Beijing under Trump-era China Initiative

  • The initiative, launched under then-president Donald Trump, was intended to fight espionage from within the scientific community
  • But it was slammed as racist and too willing to punish people for minor paperwork violations

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The J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building is seen in Washington DC. Photo: Shutterstock
Mark Magnierin New York

The FBI did not intend the “negative impact” that the China Initiative had on the Asian-American community and is willing to learn, said an official from the agency on Friday, addressing members of the Committee of 100, a Chinese-American civic group.

The controversial initiative, enacted during the administration of former president Donald Trump, was launched in November 2018 to prosecute scientific researchers and academics with ties to China.

Ostensibly aimed at stemming industrial espionage by Beijing, it was harshly criticised by Asian-American groups as racist and too willing to punish people for minor paperwork violations.

The China Initiative was officially disbanded in 2022 by the administration of President Joe Biden, although some believe – given the long lead time on investigations and Washington’s deep distrust of China – that it continues in fact, if not in name.

“We value your ideas and your criticisms,” said Jill Murphy, deputy assistant director of counter-intelligence with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “It makes us better.”

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Chinese-American scientists fear US racial profiling

Chinese-American scientists fear US racial profiling

Murphy added that she is a supporter of scientific collaboration with China, and that the FBI values its relationship with the Asian-American community, but said it must also ensure that American secrets are protected.

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