[2] He was inspired by President Ronald Reagan, whose speeches Yu heard on Voice of America broadcasts, to move to the United States.

Upon completion of his doctoral studies, Yu joined the faculty of the United States Naval Academy as a professor of modern China and military history.

[8] Yu joined the Trump administration as its principal China policy planner and strategist, working under then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

"[10] Under Pompeo, Yu worked with Kelley Eckels Currie, Mung Chiang, and David Stilwell to shape America's foreign policy toward China.

[11][8] He has called his work under the Trump Administration on China "principled realism", which includes a distinction between the Chinese people and the CCP that rules the country.