USAI-Szymanski Rule of Law Program Updates

Overview

March 21, 2025

Dear Friends:

This is to update you on our immersion program for top U.S. and Chinese law students (fellows). To date, 131 of these future leaders have learned directly and memorably from proven leaders such as Senators Durbin, Hatch, and Inouye; Secretary LaHood; and Justices Alito, Jackson, and Kavanaugh.

Chinese Fellows. Each summer since 2008, we have selected and hosted small groups of Chinese law students in Washington, D.C. for a month. So far, 89 have participated. These 89 Chinese fellows attended legislative and judicial proceedings and met with U.S. officials in five or six meetings per day. These meetings included nearly 1,000 members and staff of Congress, over 220 administration officials, and over 140 judges. When not in meetings, they visited our museums and landmarks, joined our cultural and social events (e.g., July 4 th fireworks, Nats games, backyard BBQs), and gained lifelong impressions and friends. Please visit www.usasiainstitute.org/ruleoflaw/usprogram.

American Fellows. Each summer since 2016, we have selected and sent small groups of U.S. law students to China for two weeks. So far, 42 have participated. These 42 American fellows came from Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, GWU, Michigan, Penn, UVA, and Yale. They all engaged with Chinese leaders and legal culture. Visit www.usasiainstitute.org/ruleoflaw/chinaprogram.

Program History. This idea began during my service as chief of staff for the U.S. House Small Business Committee and the U.S.-China Interparliamentary Exchange from 2002-2007. During our many delegations to China, every meeting with college students impressed everyone involved. The idea grew after I moved to China in 2007 and began teaching part-time at Chinese law schools. The idea matured into a program with one of my Chinese law students in 2008. It then grew each year.In 2014, I moved back to the U.S. where I continue to guide the program as a USAI advisor.

Program Impact. All our fellows go on to positions of responsibility in academia, government, NGOs, corporations, and law firms. See the attached alumni letters, and these approved quotes:

“Your US-PRC legal program is a fascinating example of the best kind of ‘public diplomacy’ I have learned about in our critical relationship with the PRC.” – Ed Feulner, Founder, Heritage Foundation (8/20/2018)

“I’ve been so impressed by the legal exchange program with China, and feel strongly that the U.S. and China need more of this type of cooperation.” – Peter Yeo, SVP, United Nations Foundation (9/7/2018)

For all participants on both sides, this program is a window into each other’s nation, culture, and future. If you would like to participate, please contact me at jmszymanski@gmail.com.

With kindest regards,

Matthew Szymanski

J. Matthew Szymanski

Senior Advisor, US-Asia Institute