Dear Friends,

As we enter a new season marked by rapid change and constant headlines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pace of global events, from ongoing U.S.-China tensions to rising concerns about AAPI visibility and belonging here at home. In moments like these, I often find clarity not in the news cycle, but in the stories that remind us who we are and what we value.

Recently, I was struck by the Chinese drama “Pursuit of Jade,” which became the first Chinese series to break into Netflix’s Global Top 10 for non‑English shows. Beyond its action and romance, the series centers on two young protagonists who rise above the turmoil with integrity, courage, and purpose — qualities symbolized by jade in Chinese culture.  

Their journey mirrors the moment we are living in. Institutions are strained, global relationships are shifting, and communities are searching for direction. Yet stories like this remind us that character and resilience still matter, especially for the next generation.

At the 1990 Institute, this is why we invest in youth. We want them to see themselves as leaders and bridge‑builders. We hope they will shape a more informed, empathetic, and collaborative future between the U.S. and China, and for all Americans.

Thank you for supporting our programs and the young people who inspire our mission every day. Together, we continue our own “pursuit of jade,” striving toward values that endure, even in uncertain times. 

Stay connected with us by subscribing to our mailing lists, exploring past newsletter issues, and following us on social media (links are at the bottom of every newsletter).

Victor Young
1990 Institute Board Chair

Early bird registration is open. Join us for our premier, full-day, in-person event at the College of San Mateo on September 19 to support and empower Asian American youth aged 14-21. Parents/guardians, educators, and youth 14-21 are invited.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE ROOTS & WINGS YOUTH SYMPOSIUM ON SEPTEMBER 19 — Join us at the College of San Mateo — 👉Register Now! 

• Every young person deserves to know where they come from (their roots) and feel limitless in where they can go (their wings). Today’s youth are facing unprecedented challenges with mental health, isolation due to tech, and identity.
• Structural change starts when we invest in the next generation. Our Roots & Wings Youth Symposium empowers youth while bringing together the key influencers in their success to support their identity and growth journey.
• We provide a supportive space for 400+ youth, parents/guardians, and educators to tackle the real issues — from mental wellness, life skills development, living in the age of AI, and fostering intergenerational conversations.
• By keeping this event entirely free, we ensure that everyone who is interested has the opportunity to attend.
• If you are able to make a charitable donation of any amount to support our work, we would be deeply grateful. Contact us at [email protected] for information on becoming a sponsor and we’ll include your name or organization logo! 
•  ⭐👉🎟️ Bonus giveaway: the first 60 youth registrants who sign up by July 31 will be eligible to receive two tickets to the San Francisco Giants game at Oracle Park on September 21, 2026! (Tickets will be distributed at the end of the symposium. You must be present to claim.) Learn about our early bird registration.
   

WEBINAR RECORDING: “AI IN THE CLASSROOM WHAT WORKS. WHAT DOESN’T. WHAT’S NEXT.” — Watch on our YouTube channel.

• With each technological revolution, there lies a complete spectrum of adopters — from early adopters to cautious adopters. Artificial Intelligence is no exception.
• In our Teachers Workshop on May 6, we explored the benefits, concerns, and practical implications of AI in education. Our board member, Alan Tien, moderated an interactive discussion with two educators, Adam Kubey and Dr. Tom S. Lee, who are both actively using AI in their classrooms to enhance student engagement. They shared specific AI tools with examples of how they are used to deepen learning and level the playing field.
• Kudos to our speaker Dr. Tom S. Lee who received the 2026 Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Chicago Teacher of the Year Award in May.
• 👉See the recording of “AI in the Classroom: What works. What doesn’t. What’s Next.” on YouTube, visit our Reference Library for more resources.
   

WINNING ESSAYS IN THE 2026 CHINA FOCUS COLLEGE ESSAY CONTEST — We’re thrilled to announce and congratulate the students who earned prizes from the 1990 Institute. The winning essays will be shared on our website.

• 1990 Institute Prize ($1,000) — Quinn Ennis, Yale University. Essay Title: “The Governance Vacuum Beneath the Lithium Triangle”
• 1990 Institute Prize runner-up ($500 each) — Yaqi Li, Nanyang Technological University, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Singapore. Essay Title: “The Infrastructure That Didn't Break: AI Governance Research as the Proving Ground for US-China Cooperation”           
• 1990 Institute Prize runner-up ($500 each) — Hanyue Zhang, Syracuse University, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Essay Title: “The Alliance Tax: How U.S. Tech Sanctions Are Forcing Asia-Pacific Partners to Choose Sides Before They Are Ready.”

In our webinar recording, you’ll find practical, classroom-ready strategies to thoughtfully and effectively explore the role of AI in your classroom, no matter where you fall on the AI adoption spectrum.

Curated News

U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS & CHINA NEWS

Greener pasture of a shepherd’s life lures Chinese workers penned in by “996” jobs | The Guardian

• The “996” culture of long work hours — 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week — is the norm in many Chinese companies. An Inner Mongolia farmer sought two herders to tend his 3,000 sheep and was swamped with applicants including graduates, factory laborers and white-collar workers.

Lawmakers propose banning all U.S.-Chinese research collaborations | Science 

• The Securing Innovation and Research from Adversaries (SIRA) Act is the latest effort by conservatives to halt all research interactions with China on the grounds that they pose an imminent threat to U.S. national security. 
• Critics say the bill would weaken U.S. science by cutting flows of ideas and talent.

Trump wants to “manage” China trade. Businesses see a tariff opening | Politico

• The agreement to form a “board of trade” to oversee trade with China was one of the few tangible results from Trump’s summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing last month.

The West built Chinese industrial challengers, now they’re going global: Former Honeywell Exec | CNBC

• Western companies played a major role in building China’s vast industrial and technological ecosystem through decades of investment, joint ventures, and supply chain development. Chinese firms are now innovators, bringing competition back to Western markets.

Future of China trade policy as U.S.-China relations evolve | World Economic Forum

• The Trump-Xi summit in Beijing in May aimed to restabilize U.S.-China trade relations amid a tense geopolitical backdrop. Yet there remains limited clarity over the future and stability of the world's most consequential bilateral relationship after the summit.

ASIAN AMERICAN  & PACIFIC ISLANDER (AAPI) NEWS

The overlooked history of Asian Americans and the struggle for belonging | PBS News

• Asian Americans are the fastest-growing demographic group in the U.S., but across American history, their stories and the discrimination they faced have often been overlooked.
• Journalist Judy Woodruff talked with author Michael Luo about his research for his book "Strangers in the Land."
• Check out our foundational videos “Exclusion: The Shared Asian American Experience” and “Waves of Immigrants: The Asian American Journey” that summarize important American history for you in 16-17 minutes.

Mahjong thriving as players embrace community and connection | PBS News 

• The game of mahjong is having a moment. In recent years, players of all ages have been strategizing and socializing from coast to coast.
• See our video for more on this trend: “Beyond the Tiles: Making Connections Through Mahjong.”

Racial backlash erupts online after California mayor admits to being an agent for China | NBC News

• The resignation of a Southern California mayor who pleaded guilty to acting as a foreign agent for China has sparked backlash and reignited fears of anti-Asian discrimination.
• Chinese immigrants have long endured accusations of espionage, disloyalty and malice, noted Russell Jeung, San Francisco State University professor of Asian American studies and 1990 Institute Advisory Council member. 
• Watch our video “Call It What It Is — Racism Against Asian Americans.”
• More news: Lawmakers condemn ‘deeply offensive,’ ‘racist’ video targeting immigrant delegate | Maryland Matters Two Republicans are coming under fire after accusing Democrat Chao Wu (a member of the Maryland House of Delegates since 2023) of spying for the Chinese government.

Making WAVES in Asian American Youth Suicide Prevention | Three-Fifths

• Suicide is a highly stigmatized topic for Asian communities, but layers are being peeled back to address this and more Asian Americans are talking about their mental health.
• A landmark study commissioned by The Asian American Foundation on this topic, “Beyond the Surface: Understanding Mental Health Among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander Youth,” was released in 2024.

AP Exclusive: Stop AAPI Hate launches a nonprofit to mobilize voters before midterms | AP News 

• Stop AAPI Hate Action will be a political and advocacy arm dedicated to getting more Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders registered to vote — and to mobilize current voters, ensuring they make it to the polls.
   

1990 Institute
P.O. Box 383  | San Francisco, California 94104
 [email protected]

www.1990institute.org

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