Asian American officials cite unfair treatment in China tensions

When Thomas Wong set foot in the USA Embassy in Beijing this summer season for a brand new diplomatic posting, it was vindication after years of battling the State Division over a perceived intelligence menace — himself.

Diplomatic Safety officers had knowledgeable him when he joined the overseas service greater than a decade in the past that they have been banning him from working in China. In a letter, he mentioned, they wrongly cited the obscure potential for undue “overseas desire” and recommended he may very well be susceptible to “overseas affect.”

Wong had turn into a U.S. diplomat considering that China was the place he might have the best influence. He had grown up in a Chinese language-speaking family and studied within the nation. And as a graduate of West Level who had executed an Military tour within the Balkans, he thought he had expertise that might show invaluable in navigating relations with the USA’ best navy and financial rival.