China News Agency, Washington, February 23 (Reporter Chen Mengtong) Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olson said on the 23rd that the "China Action Plan" is not the right way. ways to deal with national security threats.

　　In November 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice under the Trump administration launched a so-called "China Action Plan" aimed at cracking down on economic espionage and the theft of trade secrets.

The U.S. government claims to be cracking down on economic espionage, but it has launched a massive investigation of Asian scientists, researchers and academics.

The plan was strongly protested and opposed by Asian American groups and academia.

　　Matthew Olsen is the assistant attorney general for national security at the U.S. Department of Justice.

He delivered a speech at George Mason University Law School on the same day on "The US Department of Justice's Role in Combating National Security Threats", specifically referring to the above-mentioned review and evaluation conclusions of the US Department of Justice on the "China Action Plan".

　　"We've heard concerns from civil rights groups that the 'China Action Plan' fosters intolerance and prejudice. And with the rise in crimes and incidents against Asia, let those concerns go unabated," Olson said. "Academia And the scientific community is also increasingly concerned about some of the Justice Department's investigations. We hear that these lawsuits, and the climate of public opinion they create, could have a chilling effect on scientists and academics that could harm the scientific enterprise in the United States. "

　　Olson noted that maintaining the integrity and transparency of scientific research institutions is a national security issue, but it is equally important to ensure that the United States continues to attract the best researchers and scholars from around the world, and that it continues to respect the American tradition of academic openness and collaboration.

　　Olson said that in light of these concerns, the DOJ conducted a review of the China Action Plan and concluded that it was not the right way to go, and instead, the current situation called for a broader approach.

　　Olson acknowledged in his speech that the investigations under the "China Action Plan" have led to a "negative impression" that the U.S. judiciary has adopted a lower investigation standard for a specific country or a specific ethnic group. .

"This erosion of the credibility of the U.S. judiciary could undermine U.S. national security and alienate us from the American public."

　　Olson said he was particularly concerned about cases under the program involving academic integrity and research safety.

The U.S. Department of Justice will actively supervise the investigation and prosecution process of the case, and relevant evidence evaluation and other procedures will decide whether to bring criminal charges against the person involved, or take appropriate civil or administrative remedies.

　　The Associated Press believes that Olson's statement that day means that the US Department of Justice will terminate the "China Action Plan."

According to CBS, in the past year, the U.S. Department of Justice has dropped 8 charges against Chinese scholars, including MIT Chinese professor Chen Gang.

　　Raphael Leif, president of MIT, said of what happened to Chen Gang, "This is an attack on all Chinese Americans, especially in academia," and "It's also an attack on every non-American to some extent. Attacks by native-born US citizens who are told 'we don't really trust you'".

　　In response to the U.S. Department of Justice's statement on the "China Action Plan", Chinese-American Rep. Zhao Meixin issued a statement saying that the plan has destroyed the careers of Asian Americans, hindered Asian Americans from pursuing academic majors such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and strengthened the "Harmful Stereotypes".

"America faces national security issues from around the world, but our response must be based on evidence, not racism and fear."

　　The Asian American Association for the Advancement of Justice (AAJC) also issued a statement on the same day, saying that the U.S. government has long regarded Asian Americans and immigrants as permanent aliens and national security threats on the grounds of race, ethnicity or nationality. .

This has caused lasting harm to the Asian community, while also damaging the credibility of the American judicial and social system.

"We will hold the government accountable to ensure that victims of the 'China Action Plan' are treated fairly." (End)