Amid tensions, Chinese Americans face racism, mental health risks

Survey results show tensions between the U.S. and China, as well as political and media rhetoric, are negatively affecting how Chinese Americans are treated by acquaintances and colleagues. A new survey finds that rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies, at odds over trade, supply chains and geopolitics, have led to a majority of Chinese Americans facing racial prejudice.
The findings, part of a survey by the New York-based Committee of 100 and NORC at the University of Chicago, found that 68% of Chinese Americans said they face at least one form of discrimination each month, with 85% perceiving the prejudice as being based on race, ethnicity, accent or name. Twenty-seven percent of survey respondents said they had been verbally insulted, and 21% said the unpleasant behavior extended to physical intimidation or harassment.
The 2024 Chinese American Status Survey also found that a large portion of the community, particularly young people and women, continue to struggle with mental health as a result of everyday discrimination. A total of 504 Chinese American adults were surveyed, with 50% of respondents reporting having felt hopeless in the month prior to the survey, 43% experiencing depression, and 39% reporting feelings of worthlessness.
The survey results found that tensions between the United States and China, as well as political and media rhetoric, have a negative impact on how Chinese Americans are treated by acquaintances and colleagues. Relations between the world’s two largest economies have deteriorated in recent years over Beijing’s aggression in Taiwan and the South China Sea, and Washington’s campaign to cut China off from supply chains for high-tech semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
As of 2022, there are 24.2 million Asian Americans in the United States, of which Chinese Americans make up the largest proportion at 24%, or about 5.8 million people.
Four in five survey respondents said they were concerned about the language and rhetoric presidential candidates use when talking about China and U.S.-China relations. An overwhelming 61% said the language used by U.S. media in covering China and the bilateral relationship has negatively affected how they are treated by strangers, and about a quarter said it has also affected their relationships with acquaintances and colleagues.
“Understanding Chinese American mental health, discrimination and political views is essential to developing comprehensive and informed policies,” said Cindy Tsai, interim president of the Chinese American advocacy group Committee of 100. “These insights will not only enrich the political dialogue but also foster a more equitable society.”
Respondents were presented with 49 questions covering a wide range of topics, including experiences with discrimination, political engagement, and opinions on U.S.-China relations.

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