The amygdala is a neural cluster that assesses danger and triggers fight-or-flight responses. Prolonged stress can lead to anxiety, causing people to perceive threats where there are none. America is currently experiencing a collective national case of “China anxiety,” where anything related to China triggers fear responses in the political system. This has led to policies based on repression and exclusion, resembling the authoritarian system the U.S. seeks to combat.
Congress has taken actions such as forcing the sale of TikTok, restricting Chinese ownership of U.S. land, and barring Chinese technology firms from U.S. markets, all under the guise of national security concerns. However, these measures are making the U.S. more closed and mirroring China in significant ways. Lawmakers are even proposing bans on Chinese garlic imports and U.S.-based tutoring companies owned by Chinese firms, citing potential national security threats without substantial evidence.
China anxiety is leading to discriminatory treatment of Chinese Americans, resembling the historical “yellow peril” narrative. Reports indicate unfair scrutiny of Chinese researchers and Asian American government employees, as well as xenophobic threats and attacks against Asian Americans during the pandemic. Legislation targeting Chinese citizens and entities for real estate purchases based on food security concerns is not grounded in significant facts and has faced pushback from the Chinese American community.
Public perception of Chinese Americans is being influenced by the China panic, with some Americans advocating for limitations on their access to classified information. This overt racism is concerning and reflects a blurring of the line between the Chinese government and people of Chinese ethnicity. To effectively compete with China, the U.S. needs balanced policymaking that protects national security without compromising core values.
While China is a formidable geopolitical rival, labeling inconsequential matters like garlic, “Barbie,” or tutoring sites as national security threats shows a lack of seriousness in policy discourse. To address the challenges posed by China, policymakers must focus on legitimate concerns such as human rights abuses, espionage, and cyberattacks. A nuanced approach is essential for maintaining U.S. national security without succumbing to fear-based policies and discrimination against Chinese Americans.
