1. COVID-19 Terminology: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump frequently referred to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus” and “kung flu.” These terms were widely criticized for being racially insensitive and contributing to a surge in anti-Asian sentiment and violence.
2. Immigration Rhetoric: In recent statements, Trump suggested that Chinese migrants entering the U.S. might be forming a “migrant army,” implying potential threats. This rhetoric has raised concerns among Asian advocacy groups about increasing xenophobia and harassment toward Asian communities.
3. Comments on Individuals: Trump has made derogatory remarks about individuals of Chinese descent. For instance, he referred to Elaine Chao, former Secretary of Transportation and wife of Senator Mitch McConnell, as “Coco Chow,” a term criticized as racist.
4 China initiative: The China Initiative was a program launched by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in November 2018 under the Trump administration. Its primary goal was to counter national security threats posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), focusing on economic espionage, trade secret theft, and other illicit activities.
It leads to racial profiling and disproportionately targeting individuals of Chinese descent. it created a chilling effect within the academic and scientific communities, discouraging collaboration and fostering fear among researchers.