The Heritage Foundation has announced the appointment of Steve Yates as a senior research fellow for China and National Security Policy at the Davis Institute’s Asian Studies Center. Yates previously served at The Heritage Foundation as a senior policy analyst from 1996 to 2001, during which he was awarded the W. Glenn and Rita Ricardo Campbell Award.
Yates brings extensive experience to his new role, having recently chaired the America First Policy Institute’s China Policy Initiative. His career also includes leadership positions such as president of Radio Free Asia and deputy national security advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney between 2001 and 2005. Additionally, he led the Idaho Republican Party from 2014 to 2017.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese language and literature from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master of Arts in Chinese studies from Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies.
Heritage Executive Vice President Derrick Morgan expressed enthusiasm about Yates' return: “It is a privilege to welcome back Steve Yates to Heritage, and it couldn’t come at a more critical time." He emphasized that "Communist China remains the most significant threat facing America today."
Victoria Coates, Vice President of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at Heritage, praised Yates' expertise: “When it comes to China policy, Steve has proven that he is one of Washington’s most trusted experts."
Steve Yates himself remarked on his return: “It’s an honor to return to Heritage at this important time... This is a cause to which I have dedicated most of my career." He shared personal reflections on his commitment following the loss of his daughter in 2023 due to fentanyl.
