Last updated: August 29, 2024
Article
The Naming of China Beach
![Chinese Bill Signed Article A newspaper article about the "Page Bill" which restricted Chinese immigration, entitled "The Chinese Bill Signed."](/articles/000/images/3ChinesBillSigned_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
Library of Congress
Why Is the Name “China Beach” Shrouded in Mystery?
There is no clear answer to where the name came from or why it arose, but it is likely that turn-of-the-twentieth century racism against Chinese people in California played a significant role. White people at the time viewed Chinese immigrants, who were attracted to California by economic opportunities even before the Gold Rush, as unfair job competition. The strong Chinese work ethic and the perceived willingness to work for low wages contributed to this perception by white people.
![Matthew Hall MCAlllister Sepia toned black and white portrait of a man in a suit with a bowtie.](/articles/000/images/3_MCAlllister.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
UC Berkeley Bancroft Library
On April 14, 1886, Lawyer, Matthew Hall McAllister appealed to Supreme Court in habeas corpus on behalf of Yick Wo and Wo Lee alleging that the discriminatory enforcement of the San Francisco Laundry Ordinance violated their rights under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.