GOP Asians / Jin Harassed / Not a Monolith
The Rebel Yellow Issue 37
This week, political shifts are shaking up Queens as a new Asian American Republican Club launches in Flushing, mirroring Brooklyn’s growing conservative influence. Meanwhile, the U.S. quietly resumes $870 million in security aid to Taiwan despite Trump’s foreign aid freeze, and Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghur refugees to China sparks global outrage. Plus, Lydia Ko’s latest LPGA victory, a shocking discovery at Gene Hackman’s home, and a South Korean graduate who earned his master’s degree one blink at a time.
Asian American Republican Club’s launch in Queens reflects shifting political dynamics
Queens, New York City, now has its own Asian American Republican Club, focusing on issues such as public safety, education and economic reform. The organization was launched in Flushing on Feb. 22, bringing together elected officials, community leaders and supporters looking to strengthen conservative representation in the county’s diverse Asian communities.
Building on Brooklyn’s success
Led by Dr. Philip Shaw Chuan Wang, the club reportedly follows the successful model of Asian American Republicans in Brooklyn, which achieved significant electoral victories. State Sen. Steve Chan and Assemblymember Lester Chang, both of Brooklyn, attended the launch to share their experiences.
“Many Asian American voters in Queens still believe they have no political alternative,” said Chan. “It is our job to show them that there is a better option — one that values public safety, strong education and economic opportunity.”
Core issues resonate
The club’s formation aims to respond directly to key concerns shared by many Asian American families in Queens. Speakers at the launch highlighted three priority areas they said Republican policies align with community values.
Public safety topped the list of concerns, with speakers pointing to rising crime rates and the impact on neighborhood security. Education was equally prominent, particularly the fight to preserve gifted and talented programs and specialized high school admissions tests (SHSAT) that many view as pathways to opportunity. Meanwhile, small business owners voiced frustration with high taxes and burdensome regulations that stifle growth.
The big picture
The club’s launch capitalizes on changing political dynamics among Asian American voters. Exit polls showed that while most AAPIs supported Kamala Harris in 2024, a record 39% cast their votes for Donald Trump, marking a significant five-point increase from 2020.
Even in traditionally Democratic Queens — where 62.3% of voters backed Harris and 37.7% Trump — Republican organizers see untapped potential. This growing support stems from grassroots community efforts, targeted outreach and messaging that directly addresses everyday concerns of Asian American families.
The club plans to become a central hub for voter education, policy advocacy and community organizing with regular meetings, neighborhood events and training for aspiring candidates. Leaders envision this as just the first step in building lasting political influence.
U.S. resumes $870M security aid to Taiwan amid Trump’s foreign aid freeze
The U.S. government has quietly resumed approximately $870 million in security assistance programs for Taiwan, documents reviewed by Reuters revealed. The decision comes as tensions continue to rise between Taiwan and China, with the latter viewing the island as part of its territory.
Exemptions to the aid freeze
Shortly after taking office on Jan. 20, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, halting funding for various global programs. The freeze affected humanitarian aid, security programs and development initiatives, except for military assistance to Israel and Egypt.
The Trump administration would later approve exemptions amounting to $5.3 billion, with the largest portion — over $4.1 billion — going to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, which oversees arms sales and military assistance. Beyond the exemption of Taiwan from the aid freeze, the U.S. also allocated $336 million in security assistance to the Philippines and $21.5 million in equipment to Ukraine’s national police and border guards.
China responds with threats
China condemned the move and initiated live-fire military drills near Taiwan's coastline, which reportedly involved 45 aircraft, 14 navy vessels and one ship operating within a 24-hour period.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian had previously characterized the U.S. funding as a decision that "sends a gravely wrong signal to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces." Meanwhile, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian issued a direct warning to Taiwan, stating, "We will come get you sooner or later."
Maintaining regional stability
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s opposition to any forced change to the Taiwan Strait’s status quo. "We are against any sort of compelled, forced change of status. That’s been our policy; that remains our policy," Rubio said during a live interview streamed on X.
Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expressed gratitude for the continued U.S. support, noting that the aid resumption plays a critical role in maintaining regional stability. Lin highlighted that the funds would be used to enhance Taiwan’s defense infrastructure, including the procurement of advanced missile systems and cybersecurity upgrades. "Taiwan will continue to work with the U.S. and deepen the mutually beneficial Taiwan-U.S. partnership," Lin said.
Thailand sends 40 Uyghur refugees who spent decade in detention back to China
Thai officials sent 40 Uyghur Muslims back to China — after more than 10 years of detention in local facilities — in a clandestine operation on Feb. 27, sparking international condemnation.
How it happened
Vehicles with covered windows reportedly departed from Bangkok’s Suan Plu detention center before dawn. A China Southern Airlines aircraft left Bangkok at 4:48 a.m., touching down in Xinjiang’s Kashgar City.
The deported individuals were part of roughly 350 Uyghurs detained by Thai officials in 2014 while fleeing Xinjiang. While many were sent to Turkey and over 100 were returned to China in 2015, 40 men remained in legal limbo for more than a decade, allegedly enduring life-threatening conditions without legal representation. Five detainees, including a newborn and a 3-year-old child, died in detention.
The Uyghurs, who have long faced persecution in China, appealed in January. “We urgently appeal to all international organizations and countries concerned with human rights to intervene immediately to save us from this tragic fate,” they said.
Official responses and international reaction
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra initially evaded confirming the deportations, The which have sparked swift criticism from world leaders and organizations. However, she later acknowledged having discussed them during a February visit to China, where officials assured her of the returnees’ welfare. Meanwhile, Thai authorities said it was inappropriate for the Uyghurs to remain detained for over a decade, adding that no third country had offered to accept them.
In response, China’s Foreign Ministry said the operation was conducted “in accordance with the laws” while dismissing allegations about Xinjiang as “fabricating lies” and calling accusations of genocide “the lie of the century.”
The big picture
A 2022 United Nations assessment concluded that Beijing’s detention and reeducation practices in Xinjiang potentially amount to crimes against humanity. Multiple nations have also characterized China’s actions against Uyghurs as “genocide.”
For now, eight Uyghurs reportedly remain in Thailand, including five serving jail terms for crimes committed while in detention.
The latest deportations underscore China’s influence in Thai affairs. For its part, Thailand has benefited from Chinese investments through the Belt and Road Initiative and tourism.
Lydia Ko wins 23rd career LGPA title at “Asia’s major”: Lydia Ko won the 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore on Sunday, marking yet another milestone in her already storied career. The triumph, Ko’s 23rd career LPGA Tour win, propelled her past Karrie Webb to second place on the LPGA’s career official money list with $20.6 million in earnings.
Ko’s path to victory: Born in Seoul, South Korea, Ko emigrated with her family to New Zealand at the age of 4, gaining New Zealand citizenship at 12. The 27-year-old golfer, who had finished as runner-up at the tournament a decade prior, claimed this year’s title after shooting a final-round 69 on the Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club. Her 13-under 275 total saw her finish four strokes ahead of Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul and Japan’s Ayaka Furue.
Beyond the leaderboard: Reflecting on her winning performance, Ko remarked, “I started off really steady and didn’t really put myself in trouble that much – that was going to be the key for today.” Ko added that the victory carried special meaning beyond the leaderboard: “I’ve made some great friendships and some junior girls that always come with signs with my name on it – they truly make it very memorable.”
Betsy Arakawa, classical musician and wife of Gene Hackman, dead at 65
Betsy Arakawa, a classical musician and small-business owner, was found dead alongside her husband, 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Feb. 26. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department reported that a maintenance worker discovered the couple and alerted authorities, who found no immediate signs of injury.
Private life and career
Born on Dec. 15, 1959, in Honolulu, Arakawa displayed musical talent from an early age. She performed publicly as a child and later played with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. After attending the University of Southern California, she earned a master’s degree in liberal arts from St. John’s College in New Mexico in 1991.
She met Hackman in the 1980s while working part-time at a Los Angeles fitness center. They married in 1991 and settled in Santa Fe. Despite her connection to the Hollywood star, Arakawa maintained a private life, shunning social media and public appearances. She was a vital collaborator in Hackman’s literary career, typing manuscripts and offering editorial feedback on his novels.
In 2001, Arakawa co-founded Pandora’s, a linens and home furnishings store in Santa Fe, with longtime friend Barbara Lenihan. The two women managed the store together until Arakawa’s death.
Circumstances and investigation
Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that Hackman’s pacemaker last registered activity on Feb. 17, suggesting that the couple may have been deceased for some time. While no signs of forced entry or struggle were observed, the unusual circumstances prompted authorities to deem the case suspicious pending further investigation. Toxicology tests and autopsies have been requested, though results are expected to take months.
Arakawa is survived by her three stepchildren, as well as a grandchild. Friends and family remember her for her unwavering support of Hackman’s career and her quiet dedication to her own artistic and entrepreneurial passions.
Health disparities highlight stark realities for San Diego’s Asian American community
A recent report from the San Diego Foundation has revealed significant disparities in health, economic well-being and social integration within San Diego County’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Published in December, the report sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of diverse ethnic subgroups, challenging the misconception that AANHPI communities are a monolithic or universally prosperous population.
Unequal access to health care
Data gathered from the 2022 American Community Survey showed that Native Hawaiian and Cambodian residents in San Diego experience alarmingly high uninsured rates — more than five times greater than those of white, non-Latino San Diegans. Nearly 24% of Native Hawaiian residents and 20% of Cambodian residents lacked health insurance, despite a significant number of them being employed. In comparison, uninsured rates for other AANHPI subgroups remained under 7%.
The report cited “finances, lack of awareness about available resources, limited English proficiency and limited insurance coverage” as the main barriers. These disparities suggest that systemic inequities in healthcare access disproportionately affect certain ethnic groups within the AANHPI community.
Access to health services also remains a broader challenge across the state. Findings from the AAPI Data project at the University of California Riverside and UCLA Center for Health Policy Research revealed that 30% of Asian Americans in California reported difficulty accessing health services.
Mental health crisis among AANHPI Youth
Mental health emerged as a critical area of concern in the report, with suicide identified as the second leading cause of death for AANHPI Californians aged 25–34. Alarmingly, for youth aged 15–19 and young adults aged 20–24, suicide became the leading cause of death in 2022.
These troubling statistics highlight a growing crisis, compounded by cultural stigma, racial discrimination, and the pressures associated with the “model minority” myth. This myth, which perpetuates the stereotype that AANHPI individuals are uniformly successful and free from societal challenges, can mask the real struggles faced by many within these communities.
Economic and educational disparities
The economic landscape for San Diego’s AANHPI community is equally varied, revealing a sharp divide in income levels and educational attainment among subgroups. According to the report, the median income for Asian Indian households is $117,587 — almost three times higher than the $42,945 median income of Cambodian households.
Educational attainment also reflects this disparity. While 93.7% of Asian Indians hold at least a bachelor’s degree, only 10.6% of Other Pacific Islanders have achieved the same level of education. Another pressing issue is food insecurity, as nearly 50% of Other Pacific Islanders (people who have origins in the original peoples of the Pacific Islands, excluding Hawaii) and Cambodian residents in San Diego are relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), compared to just 8.5% of white, non-Latino residents.
Leadership, representation and moving forward
Despite representing 16.2% of San Diego County’s population, the AANHPI community remains underrepresented in political leadership. The report calls for expanded leadership development programs and increased capacity-building efforts to empower AANHPI-led organizations.
In response to the report’s findings, the San Diego Foundation launched the AANHPI Fund in 2023, backed by a $2.5 million endowment. The fund aims to invest in initiatives that address health disparities, promote economic empowerment and expand community leadership. Civic leaders such as Councilmember Kent Lee of San Diego’s District 6 and Dr. Andy Dang are helping guide these efforts. The foundation expressed hope that the report will serve as a guide for the AANHPI community to navigate its needs and identify areas for further development.
South Korean man obtains master’s degree by blinking his thesis
A 37-year-old South Korean man with muscular dystrophy has earned his master’s degree by writing his thesis through a grueling process of blinking one letter at a time.
Jang Ik-sun, who retains control of only his eye movements and speech, received his degree at Gwangju University’s graduation ceremony on Feb. 21, the Korea Herald reported. He was also presented with an academic award for his extraordinary achievement.
Adaptation and perseverance
Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at age 5, Jang has experienced progressive muscle degeneration throughout his life. Despite the challenges, he successfully completed South Korea’s middle and high school equivalency exams before earning a bachelor’s degree in social welfare from Gwangju University. In 2019, he enrolled in the university’s Graduate School of Social Welfare and completed his coursework by 2021.
The pursuit of higher education required Jang to develop alternative study techniques. Unable to write by hand, he utilized a personal scanner to digitize printed materials that were not available electronically — a process he described as exhausting but necessary.
During his address, Jang reflected on how his condition has evolved, noting that activities he could manage 15 years ago, such as leaning his hand on a desk to take notes, have become impossible as his condition progressed. Without the ability to take notes, he has developed enhanced memory strategies to retain information.
Research and advocacy
For his master’s thesis, Jang utilized specialized eye-tracking technology that converts eye movements into digital commands. His research explored critical issues surrounding the right to life for individuals with muscle disorders, particularly highlighting inadequacies in care support systems.
Jang extends his influence beyond academic circles through his YouTube channel, “Ik-sun Jang, a man who blinks 10 million times,” where he raises awareness about muscular dystrophy. His bio states his mission: “I want to give strength and hope to those who are exhausted from life and struggle to rise again. This is Ikseon Jang, who communicates with the world with the blink of an eye 10 million times.”
At the graduation ceremony, Jang spoke about the invisibility often experienced by those with muscular dystrophy and expressed his commitment to increasing their visibility and representation in society.
About muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy encompasses more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, these conditions worsen over time, with many patients eventually losing mobility. Some variants affect vital organs including the heart, lungs and brain, creating additional health challenges.
K-pop fan faces legal reckoning after kissing BTS’ Jin without consent
South Korean police have booked and summoned a Japanese woman in her 50s for questioning on charges of sexual harassment after she allegedly kissed BTS member Jin without consent during a fan event last year.
What happened
The encounter took place at a fan meeting in Seoul on June 13, 2024. The event, which drew a crowd of around 1,000 ARMYs, celebrated both Jin’s completion of military service and BTS’ 11th anniversary.
During what was intended to be a “free hug” session, the woman allegedly kissed Jin on the neck, which witnesses say left the performer visibly startled.
Security footage of the incident later circulated online, showing Jin’s apparent discomfort. At 32, Jin is the senior member of BTS and had just finished his required 18-month military duty that June.
The allegations
Following the incident, the woman reportedly shared details online, writing: “My lips touched his neck. His skin was so soft,” according to Yonhap News.
Law enforcement at Seoul’s Songpa district confirmed they located the woman through collaboration with Japanese authorities after a concerned fan filed a formal complaint. The documentation was reportedly submitted through a government portal, prompting an official review.
Police have classified the case as potential sexual harassment occurring in a public venue. The incident highlights the complex dynamics of international fandom, as numerous Japanese tourists regularly visit South Korea for K-pop related events.