About Us

The leading organization for Chinese Americans on civic engagement, public policy, arts, culture and philanthropy

Committee of 100 is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, science, technology, and the arts. The organization was formed following the aftermath of Tiananmen Square. At the urging of Dr. Henry Kissinger, renowned architect I.M. Pei assembled an exceptional group of Chinese Americans to address the critical issues impacting the Chinese community in America and help foster positive relations between the U.S. and Greater China. This group of luminaries — Yo-Yo Ma, I.M. Pei, Henry S. Tang, Oscar Tang, Chien Shiung Wu, and Shirley Young — became the first generation of Committee of 100 members.

The name “Committee of 100” derives from a blend of inspirations of ‘We the People’ and an ancient Chinese idiom, 老百姓 (lao bai xing) to reflect both American values and Chinese culture. Translated directly, the characters 老百姓 mean ‘old (老) hundred (百) names (姓)’. Figuratively, 老百姓 represents everyone in the community. By adopting the name Committee of 100 (百人會) , the Committee of 100 Members aimed to embody the American spirit encapsulated in ‘We the People’ and interweave it with the tapestry of Chinese history.

Key moments from our history

1989

Committee of 100 is founded by Yo-Yo Ma, I.M. Pei, Henry S. Tang, Oscar Tang, Chien-Shiung Wu, and Shirley Young.

1991

Committee of 100 holds a conference in San Francisco with both American and Chinese Ambassadors presenting on the state of U.S.-China relations.

1998

The White House invites Committee of 100 to present the white paper, “Seeking Common Ground While Respecting Differences,” to National Security Adviser Sandy Berger in preparation for President Clinton’s state visit to China.

2000

Committee of 100 leads a delegation of more than a dozen Asian American organizations to raise the national awareness of the denial of due process in the Wen Ho Lee case.

2001

Committee of 100 publishes the national opinion survey “American Attitudes Towards Chinese Americans and Asian Americans,” documenting previously little-known facts about American public opinion on China.

2011

Committee of 100 hosts a Congressional briefing on the U.S.-China relationship on Capitol Hill. More than 70 Congressional members and staff participate.

I.M. Pei, Founder of Committee of 100
I.M. Pei

"I want to bring out the best in a community and contribute something of permanent value."

I.M. Pei, Founder of Committee of 100

Explore our work by topic

Explore our research, programs, initiatives and events.

Yo-Yo Ma, Founder of Committee of 100
Yo-Yo Ma

"Culture opens our hearts to one another. And the currency in culture is not money, but trust."

Yo-Yo Ma, Founder of Committee of 100

Committee of 100 Information

Committee of 100 Fact Sheet

Committee of 100 Audiences & Offerings

 

Annual Reports

2021 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report