WASHINGTON—Today, The Heritage Foundation welcomed Steve Yates as a senior research fellow for China and National Security Policy in the Davis Institute’s Asian Studies Center. Steve previously worked at The Heritage Foundation as a senior policy analyst from 1996 to 2001 and received the prestigious W. Glenn and Rita Ricardo Campbell Award—an honor that goes to the staff member determined to have made “an outstanding contribution to the analysis and promotion of the free society.”
Most recently, Steve served as the chairman of the America First Policy Institute’s China Policy Initiative. He brings valuable experience from his time as the president of Radio Free Asia—an American-funded non-profit that broadcasts news for audiences in Asia. He also brings a wealth of knowledge from his time serving as the deputy national security advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney from 2001 to 2005 and as the chairman of the Idaho Republican Party from 2014 to 2017.
Yates obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chinese language and literature from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master of Arts in Chinese studies from Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.
Heritage Executive Vice President Derrick Morgan made the following statement in response to the hiring:
“It is a privilege to welcome back Steve Yates to Heritage, and it couldn’t come at a more critical time.
“Communist China remains the most significant threat facing America today as it continues to undermine our national security, economy, and freedoms.
“Steve’s extensive experience in Asian and political affairs adds tremendous value to the Heritage enterprise. I look forward to working with him and further advancing Heritage's work in this arena.”
Heritage Vice President Vice President of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy Victoria Coates added:
“When it comes to China policy, Steve has proven that he is one of Washington’s most trusted experts. His decades of knowledge and extensive network will be invaluable as we continue to confront Communist China.
“I’ve known Steve for many years and consider him a great friend. There is no doubt he will be a leader in the effort to counter Communist China’s aggressive tactics towards the United States both in the Pacific and here at home.”
Heritage Senior Research Fellow for China and National Security Policy Steve Yates concluded:
“It’s an honor to return to Heritage at this important time to join forces with so many friends and colleagues committed to overcoming the top external strategic threat to America’s way of life--the Communist Party of China. “This is a cause to which I have dedicated most of my career, and I have endured the bitter cost of permissive engagement and provocative weakness--losing my beloved daughter to fentanyl in 2023.
“Americans are ready for revival, and I am optimistic that the principled and proven strategies we devise, amplify, and execute as a movement and as a nation will rise to the occasion and restore peace through strength.”
Background:
To view some of Steve’s most recent commentary at Heritage, please click here.
