Miles Yu

Senior Fellow and Director, China Center

miles_yu

At A Glance:

Miles Yu is a senior fellow and director of the China Center at 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute.

Research Associate
Shane Leary
Research Associate and Program Manager, China Center

Biography

Miles Yu is a senior fellow and director of the China Center at 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute. He is also a professor of East Asia and military and naval history at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Dr. Yu specializes in Chinese military and strategic culture, US and Chinese military and diplomatic history, and US policy toward China.

Dr. Yu joined the Trump administration and served as the China policy adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. In that capacity, he advised the secretary on all China-related issues, helped overhaul US policy toward China, and participated in key US government interagency deliberations on major policy and government actions with regard to China and other East Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. He is a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution as a member of the Military History/Contemporary Conflict Working Group. From 2011 to 2016, he wrote the weekly column "Inside China" for the Washington Times. Since 1996, he has been an editorial consultant to Radio Free Asia, and a contributor to various media outlets including the Wall Street Journal and PBS News Hour.

Dr. Yu has published widely on topics in his field. His books include OSS in China: Prelude to Cold War (Yale University Press, 1997) and The Dragon’s War: Allied Operations and the Fate of China, 1937–1947 (Naval Institute Press, 2006). He is the author of many scholarly articles on China, military and intelligence history, and newspaper columns about contemporary Chinese political and military affairs. His numerous awards include the US Naval Academy's top researcher award, US Navy Special Action Awards, and US Navy Meritorious Service Award.

Dr. Yu received a doctorate in history from the University of California, Berkeley, a master’s degree from Swarthmore College, and a bachelor’s degree from Nankai University.

11
December 2024
Past Event
Sanctioned Voices: Spotlighting China’s Global Repression
Featured Speakers:
Frances Hui
Elfidar Iltebir
Jamil Jaffer
Dr. Daniel Twining
Jonathan Ward
Damon Wilson
Tamara Cofman Wittes
Joseph Wu
Moderator:
Miles Yu
A pro-democracy activists stands with a yellow umbrella as part of an art installation outside Hong Kong's Government complex on October 9, 2014. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
11
December 2024
Past Event
Sanctioned Voices: Spotlighting China’s Global Repression

The discussion will cover China’s use of economic sanctions, surveillance, and coercion to silence critics, especially those who risk their lives and freedom to advocate for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

A pro-democracy activists stands with a yellow umbrella as part of an art installation outside Hong Kong's Government complex on October 9, 2014. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Frances Hui
Elfidar Iltebir
Jamil Jaffer
Dr. Daniel Twining
Jonathan Ward
Damon Wilson
Tamara Cofman Wittes
Joseph Wu
Moderator:
Miles Yu
05
December 2024
Past Event
Taiwan’s Security Needs for the Next US Administration
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Jason Hsu
Moderator:
Riley Walters
A Taiwanese Air Force F-16 fighter jet approaches for landing at an air force base in Hualien, Taiwan, on May 24, 2024. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty Images)
05
December 2024
Past Event
Taiwan’s Security Needs for the Next US Administration

Will new administrations in Taipei and Washington deepen the nations’ relationship? Or will new challenges emerge? What does Taiwan need to boost its hard and soft powers? How can Taiwan build stronger whole-of-society resilience in areas such as food and energy security? Join 91ÆÞÓÑ experts for a discussion on these topics and more.

A Taiwanese Air Force F-16 fighter jet approaches for landing at an air force base in Hualien, Taiwan, on May 24, 2024. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Jason Hsu
Moderator:
Riley Walters
17
September 2024
Past Event
Taiwan’s Democracy in the International Community
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Michael R. Pompeo
Michael Tsai
Tom McDevitt
Ngalim Tiunn
Harper Chen
Decorations for celebrating Taiwanese National Day are seen on the Presidential Office Building on October 12, 2023, in Taipei, Taiwan. (Alex Wong via Getty Images)
17
September 2024
Past Event
Taiwan’s Democracy in the International Community

91ÆÞÓÑ’s China Center, with representatives from the Taiwan United Nations Alliance and the Washington Times, will explore Taiwan’s role on the international stage and discuss how to combat the PRC’s efforts and enhance United States–Taiwan military and diplomatic cooperation.

Decorations for celebrating Taiwanese National Day are seen on the Presidential Office Building on October 12, 2023, in Taipei, Taiwan. (Alex Wong via Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Michael R. Pompeo
Michael Tsai
Tom McDevitt
Ngalim Tiunn
Harper Chen
17
July 2024
Past Event
China’s Persecution of Falun Gong at 25 Years
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Dr. Larry Liu
Sarah Cook
Simon Zhang
Levi Browde
Ying Chen
Moderators:
Nina Shea
Cynthia Sun
A Falun Gong demonstrator sits in a cage in London, United Kingdom, on July 18, 2021, during the protest against the Chinese government's persecution. (Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
17
July 2024
Past Event
China’s Persecution of Falun Gong at 25 Years

Join 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute as expert panels take stock of the Falun Gong crackdown over the past quarter of a century.

A Falun Gong demonstrator sits in a cage in London, United Kingdom, on July 18, 2021, during the protest against the Chinese government's persecution. (Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Dr. Larry Liu
Sarah Cook
Simon Zhang
Levi Browde
Ying Chen
Moderators:
Nina Shea
Cynthia Sun
16
July 2024
Past Event
Leading in the Cyber Competition with China
Featured Speakers:
Israel Soong
Miles Yu
A drone sprays pesticides at Baiyutan Modern Agriculture Demonstration Park in Kunshan, China, on April 18, 2024. (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
16
July 2024
Past Event
Leading in the Cyber Competition with China

National Security Council Director for Cyber Policy Israel Soong joins 91ÆÞÓÑ’s Miles Yu for a conversation on why technology is crucial to Beijing’s plans and how the US can maintain the lead in its cyber and technology competition with China.

A drone sprays pesticides at Baiyutan Modern Agriculture Demonstration Park in Kunshan, China, on April 18, 2024. (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Israel Soong
Miles Yu
15
May 2024
Past Event
The Pernicious Impact of China’s Anti-Secession Law
Featured Speakers:
Michael R. Pompeo
Senator Tom Cotton
Robert Tsao
Senator Marsha Blackburn
Scott Morrison
Vincent Chao
Yu-Jie Chen
Margaret Lewis
Donald C. Clarke
Heino Klinck
Bonny Lin
Moderator:
Miles Yu
Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian participates in a rally to protest against the Anti-Secession Law on March 26, 2005, in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo by Andrew Wong/Getty Images)
15
May 2024
Past Event
The Pernicious Impact of China’s Anti-Secession Law

91ÆÞÓÑ Institute’s China Center and United Microelectronics Corporation founder Robert Tsao will host a conference with experts and policymakers to analyze China’s 2005 anti-secession law.

Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian participates in a rally to protest against the Anti-Secession Law on March 26, 2005, in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo by Andrew Wong/Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Michael R. Pompeo
Senator Tom Cotton
Robert Tsao
Senator Marsha Blackburn
Scott Morrison
Vincent Chao
Yu-Jie Chen
Margaret Lewis
Donald C. Clarke
Heino Klinck
Bonny Lin
Moderator:
Miles Yu
10
April 2024
Past Event
The Taiwan Relations Act at 45
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Shane Leary
Honor guards take part in Taiwan National Day on October 10, 2023, in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo by Annabelle Chih/Getty Images)
10
April 2024
Past Event
The Taiwan Relations Act at 45

Miles Yu, director of 91ÆÞÓÑ’s China Center, shares his critical analysis of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Honor guards take part in Taiwan National Day on October 10, 2023, in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo by Annabelle Chih/Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Shane Leary
25
January 2024
Past Event
Countering China’s International Objectives: A New Global Alliance Based on Pillars for Freedom
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Richard B. Levine
William F. Martin
Roger W. Robinson, Jr.
Jan Havránek
Thomas J. Duesterberg
Moderator:
Amb. Paula J. Dobriansky, PhD
A sculpture of the Chinese Communist Party logo on July 12, 2023, in Inner Mongolia, China. (Lintao Zhang via Getty Images)
25
January 2024
Past Event
Countering China’s International Objectives: A New Global Alliance Based on Pillars for Freedom
A sculpture of the Chinese Communist Party logo on July 12, 2023, in Inner Mongolia, China. (Lintao Zhang via Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Richard B. Levine
William F. Martin
Roger W. Robinson, Jr.
Jan Havránek
Thomas J. Duesterberg
Moderator:
Amb. Paula J. Dobriansky, PhD
16
January 2024
Past Event
What Matters to Taiwan Matters to the World: The 2024 Taiwan Election and Its Impact on Regional and Global Security
Featured Speakers:
Vincent Chao
Alexander Huang
Moderator:
Miles Yu
Taiwanese flags are seen at a campaign rally of the main opposition Kuomintang party ahead of the presidential election in New Taipei City on January 12, 2024. (I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images)
16
January 2024
Past Event
What Matters to Taiwan Matters to the World: The 2024 Taiwan Election and Its Impact on Regional and Global Security
Taiwanese flags are seen at a campaign rally of the main opposition Kuomintang party ahead of the presidential election in New Taipei City on January 12, 2024. (I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Vincent Chao
Alexander Huang
Moderator:
Miles Yu
18
December 2023
Past Event
The Perils of Corporate Engagement with China
Featured Speakers:
Thomas J. Duesterberg
David Asher
Miles Yu
Gabe Noronha
Moderator:
Morgan D. Ortagus
The Chinese World Trade Center. (Getty Images)
18
December 2023
Past Event
The Perils of Corporate Engagement with China

Please join 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute’s China Center for a panel on leading US corporations’ involvement with the PRC, and the future of US corporate engagement with China.

The Chinese World Trade Center. (Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Thomas J. Duesterberg
David Asher
Miles Yu
Gabe Noronha
Moderator:
Morgan D. Ortagus
11
December 2023
Past Event
Beyond the SCIF: Countering Chinese Influence Operations on American Soil
Featured Speakers:
John P. Walters
Miles Yu
John Lee
Craig Singleton
Moderator:
Rep. Mike Waltz
(Getty Images)
11
December 2023
Past Event
Beyond the SCIF: Countering Chinese Influence Operations on American Soil

Representative Mike Waltz will moderate a panel on China’s influence operations in the United States.

(Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
John P. Walters
Miles Yu
John Lee
Craig Singleton
Moderator:
Rep. Mike Waltz
28
November 2023
Past Event
How the US Should Respond to China’s Challenge to US Geoeconomic Leadership
Featured Speakers:
Thomas J. Duesterberg
Dr. Peter Hefele
Leland Miller
Craig Singleton
Moderator:
Miles Yu
People attend the Eighth Belt and Road Summit on September 13, 2023, in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Hou Yu/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
28
November 2023
Past Event
How the US Should Respond to China’s Challenge to US Geoeconomic Leadership
People attend the Eighth Belt and Road Summit on September 13, 2023, in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Hou Yu/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Thomas J. Duesterberg
Dr. Peter Hefele
Leland Miller
Craig Singleton
Moderator:
Miles Yu
15
November 2023
Past Event
Sell Out My Soul: The Impending Threats to Freedom of Religion or Belief in Hong Kong
Featured Speakers:
Benedict Rogers
Nina Shea
Nury Turkel
Olivia Enos
Moderator:
Miles Yu
St John's Cathedral in Hong Kong. (Getty Images)
15
November 2023
Past Event
Sell Out My Soul: The Impending Threats to Freedom of Religion or Belief in Hong Kong

Join 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute’s China Center for an expert panel with Benedict Rogers, cofounder and chief executive of Hong Kong Watch, to discuss his latest report on the impending threats to freedom of religion or belief in Hong Kong.

St John's Cathedral in Hong Kong. (Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Benedict Rogers
Nina Shea
Nury Turkel
Olivia Enos
Moderator:
Miles Yu
14
November 2023
Past Event
Still Friends after All These Years? The US-Canada Relationship in a Dangerous World
Featured Speakers:
Brian Lee Crowley
Charles Burton
John P. Walters
Miles Yu
Moderators:
Matthew Boyse
Patrick M. Cronin
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14
November 2023
Past Event
Still Friends after All These Years? The US-Canada Relationship in a Dangerous World

91ÆÞÓÑ Institute, in partnership with MLI, is proud to host the launch of the Center for North American Prosperity and Security.

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Featured Speakers:
Brian Lee Crowley
Charles Burton
John P. Walters
Miles Yu
Moderators:
Matthew Boyse
Patrick M. Cronin
12
October 2023
Past Event
The Chinese Telecom Challenge
Featured Speakers:
Nathan Simington
Robert Spalding
Sohan Dasgupta
Joshua Steinman
Moderator:
Miles Yu
A Huawei HoloSens software defined camera is on display during the third Digital China Summit and Exhibition on October 11, 2020, in Fuzhou, China. (Photo by Chen Xiaoke/VCG via Getty Images)
12
October 2023
Past Event
The Chinese Telecom Challenge

Miles Yu will host a panel of distinguished experts for a virtual discussion of how CCP-controlled telecommunications companies pose a uniquely pervasive threat to American national security.

A Huawei HoloSens software defined camera is on display during the third Digital China Summit and Exhibition on October 11, 2020, in Fuzhou, China. (Photo by Chen Xiaoke/VCG via Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Nathan Simington
Robert Spalding
Sohan Dasgupta
Joshua Steinman
Moderator:
Miles Yu
02
August 2023
Past Event
Securing American Competitiveness: The Importance of Critical Supply Chains in Strategic Rivalry with China
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien
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02
August 2023
Past Event
Securing American Competitiveness: The Importance of Critical Supply Chains in Strategic Rivalry with China
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Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien
25
July 2023
Past Event
Lessons from the World War II Arsenal of Democracy
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Arthur Herman
Dr. Mark Wilson
Dr. Larrie Ferriero
Moderator:
Lewis Libby
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25
July 2023
Past Event
Lessons from the World War II Arsenal of Democracy
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Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Arthur Herman
Dr. Mark Wilson
Dr. Larrie Ferriero
Moderator:
Lewis Libby
12
July 2023
Past Event
China Prepares for War: A Timeline
Featured Speakers:
Kyle Bass
Miles Yu
Moderator:
Hon. Amb. Paula Dobriansky
.
12
July 2023
Past Event
China Prepares for War: A Timeline
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Featured Speakers:
Kyle Bass
Miles Yu
Moderator:
Hon. Amb. Paula Dobriansky
30
June 2023
Past Event
The Third Anniversary of the Hong Kong National Security Law
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Benedict Rogers
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30
June 2023
Past Event
The Third Anniversary of the Hong Kong National Security Law
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Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Benedict Rogers
01
June 2023
Past Event
The China Threat | 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute Political Studies Policy Certificate Program
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Rachel Mackey
Hon. Michelle S. Giuda
Philip Fei-Ling Wang
Daniel Tobin
getty images
01
June 2023
Past Event
The China Threat | 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute Political Studies Policy Certificate Program

The 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute Political Studies  gathers talented early- and mid-career professionals for advanced study of public policy and national security led by policy experts and experienced government officials.

getty images
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Rachel Mackey
Hon. Michelle S. Giuda
Philip Fei-Ling Wang
Daniel Tobin
31
May 2023
Past Event
Partnership of Freedom: AUKUS Viewed by Its Architects
Featured Speakers:
Hon. Boris Johnson
Hon. Scott Morrison
Michael R. Pompeo
Bryan Clark
John Lee
Moderator:
Miles Yu
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31
May 2023
Past Event
Partnership of Freedom: AUKUS Viewed by Its Architects

Please join 91ÆÞÓÑ’s China Center for a panel discussion with the architects of the AUKUS agreement—former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Seventieth US Secretary of State and Distinguished Fellow Michael R. Pompeo—on this monumental diplomatic and security achievement.

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Featured Speakers:
Hon. Boris Johnson
Hon. Scott Morrison
Michael R. Pompeo
Bryan Clark
John Lee
Moderator:
Miles Yu
28
March 2023
Past Event
China's Growing Influence in Latin America
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Pedro Burelli
Evan Ellis
Julio Guzman
Moderator:
Daniel Batlle
miles event
28
March 2023
Past Event
China's Growing Influence in Latin America
miles event
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Pedro Burelli
Evan Ellis
Julio Guzman
Moderator:
Daniel Batlle
02
March 2023
Past Event
A Test of Will: Why Taiwan Matters
Featured Speakers:
Dan Sullivan
Miles Yu
 Senator Dan Sullivan speaks during a news conference with members of the Senate Armed Services Committee about arming Ukraine in the fight against Russia in Washington, D.C. on February 5, 2015. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
02
March 2023
Past Event
A Test of Will: Why Taiwan Matters

Please join 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute’s China Center for a speech from Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) on the importance of defending Taiwan amid increasing tension between the United States and China.

 Senator Dan Sullivan speaks during a news conference with members of the Senate Armed Services Committee about arming Ukraine in the fight against Russia in Washington, D.C. on February 5, 2015. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Dan Sullivan
Miles Yu
06
December 2022
Past Event
Australia’s Role in the China Struggle: A Conversation with Scott Morrison
Featured Speakers:
Hon. Scott Morrison
Miles Yu
Scott Morrison
06
December 2022
Past Event
Australia’s Role in the China Struggle: A Conversation with Scott Morrison

Please join 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute’s China Center for a conversation with Thirtieth Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison and 91ÆÞÓÑ Institute China Center Director Miles Yu to discuss Australia’s role in combatting the threat to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Scott Morrison
Featured Speakers:
Hon. Scott Morrison
Miles Yu
11
October 2022
Past Event
Dragon in the North: Assessing the Growing Chinese Threat to the Arctic Region
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Michael R. Pompeo
Arthur Herman
Roslyn Layton
Liselotte Odgaard
Members of China's research team set up an ocean profiling float at a short-term data acquisition location near the icebreaker Xuelong, or "Snow Dragon," in the Arctic Ocean, on August 18, 2016. (Xinhua/Wu Yue via Getty Images)
11
October 2022
Past Event
Dragon in the North: Assessing the Growing Chinese Threat to the Arctic Region

The China Center will host a conference, entitled “The Dragon in the North: Assessing the Growing Chinese Threat to the Arctic Region,†organized by 91ÆÞÓÑ Senior Fellow Dr. Arthur Herman.

Members of China's research team set up an ocean profiling float at a short-term data acquisition location near the icebreaker Xuelong, or "Snow Dragon," in the Arctic Ocean, on August 18, 2016. (Xinhua/Wu Yue via Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Michael R. Pompeo
Arthur Herman
Roslyn Layton
Liselotte Odgaard
03
February 2022
Past Event
Virtual Event | The Olympics Boycott Series - Part 1: Inside the US Decision to Call Out the Uyghur Genocide
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Nina Shea
Protesters hold up placards and banners as they attend a demonstration in Sydney on June 23, 2021 to call on the Australian government to boycott the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics over China's human rights record. (Getty Images)
03
February 2022
Past Event
Virtual Event | The Olympics Boycott Series - Part 1: Inside the US Decision to Call Out the Uyghur Genocide

This event will premiere on this page at 12:00 p.m. EST, Thursday, February 3. Register for the event here.

Protesters hold up placards and banners as they attend a demonstration in Sydney on June 23, 2021 to call on the Australian government to boycott the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics over China's human rights record. (Getty Images)
Featured Speakers:
Miles Yu
Nina Shea
01
June 2021
Past Event
Virtual Event | A Conversation with Ambassador Joseph Cella
Featured Speakers:
Ambassador Joseph Cella
Miles Yu
01
June 2021
Past Event
Virtual Event | A Conversation with Ambassador Joseph Cella

Please be advised: This event will premiere on this page at 12:00 p.m. EDT, Friday, June 4. Register for the event here or via the register button.

Featured Speakers:
Ambassador Joseph Cella
Miles Yu
12
March 2021
Past Event
Virtual Event | The Origins of COVID-19: Policy Implications and Lessons for the Future
Featured Speakers:
Chris Isham
Jamie Metzl
Andy Weber
Miles Yu
David Asher
12
March 2021
Past Event
Virtual Event | The Origins of COVID-19: Policy Implications and Lessons for the Future

91ÆÞÓÑ Institute Senior Fellows David Asher and Miles Yu and expert panelists discuss the origins of COVID-19, policy implications and lessons for the

Featured Speakers:
Chris Isham
Jamie Metzl
Andy Weber
Miles Yu
David Asher
11
June 2020
Past Event
Video Event | Great Power Competition in the Middle East
Featured Speakers:
Michael Doran
Glen Howard
David Schenker
Miles Yu
11
June 2020
Past Event
Video Event | Great Power Competition in the Middle East

**__Please be advised: This event will premiere at 12:00 p.m. EDT, Thursday, June 11. Click here to view this event on 91ÆÞÓÑ’s website.__**

Join H

Featured Speakers:
Michael Doran
Glen Howard
David Schenker
Miles Yu