Global politics moves fast. The U.S.-Iran conflict has opened space for China to assert new diplomatic influence, and the ripple effects are already being felt in U.S.-China relations. What does this mean for Chinese Americans with cross‑border family, work, and community ties? Join us for a discussion with Thomas Krueger, Senior Policy Advisor on national security and international affairs at Akin Gump, moderated by Ben Wu, former U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce, on how these global shifts are shaping Chinese American communities and what it means to live “between two worlds” in 2026.On April 1, the Supreme Court will hear arguments that could redefine what it means to be a U.S. citizen. It is a battle Chinese Americans have fought before. In 1898, Wong Kim Ark sued for his right to reenter the United States after being denied because of his Chinese ancestry. His Supreme Court victory established birthright citizenship as we know it. 

The “Equity Pulse” series highlights real-world policy impacts on AAPI communities and what we can do to challenge inequities. 

Ben Wu
Former U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce

Ben Wu is a distinguished public and private sector executive with extensive professional and management experience at the highest levels of the nation’s executive and legislative branches. An internationally recognized technology innovation and economic development expert at the intersection of policy and politics, his expertise in technology policy has led to transformative business and economic developments at national, state, and local levels.

A former U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Technology Policy, Wu was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve in the sub-Cabinet of President George W. Bush, overseeing the nation’s high-technology competitiveness, U.S. innovation, and the federal technology enterprise. He was the Executive Secretary for the Committee on Technology of the National Science and Technology Council, coordinating science, space, and technology policy.

Wu has served as Special Advisor to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Chief Operating Officer of the Maryland Department of Commerce. He led significant reforms to the state’s economic development strategy that created record growth and one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates.

Wu’s legislative experience spanned 13 years in the U.S. Congress, where he worked to pass legislation to advance the nation’s technology and international competitiveness. Wu also served as the President and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, a private entity leading Maryland’s largest jurisdiction in one of the most innovate regions in the country.

A past Committee of 100 Vice Chair, Wu has had significant engagement on issues impacting the C100 dual mission. He is the Vice Chair and immediate past President of the US-Asia Institute. Wu currently serves on the boards of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (PHI), Make-a-Wish Foundation (Mid-Atlantic Chapter), Strathmore Hall Foundation, and CCACC of Greater Washington.