MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL FUNDS

(d/b/a MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS)

MATTHEWSASIA.COM

MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MEGMX)

MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND– INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MIEFX)

MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FUND* – INVESTOR CLASS (MASGX)

MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FUND* – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MISFX)

MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS SMALL COMPANIES FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MSMLX)

MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS SMALL COMPANIES FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MISMX)

MATTHEWS ASIA GROWTH FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MPACX)

MATTHEWS ASIA GROWTH FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MIAPX)

MATTHEWS PACIFIC TIGER FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MAPTX)

MATTHEWS PACIFIC TIGER FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MIPTX)

MATTHEWS ASIA INNOVATORS FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MATFX)

MATTHEWS ASIA INNOVATORS FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MITEX)

MATTHEWS CHINA FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MCHFX)

MATTHEWS CHINA FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MICFX)

MATTHEWS CHINA SMALL COMPANIES FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MCSMX)

MATTHEWS CHINA SMALL COMPANIES FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MICHX)

MATTHEWS INDIA FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MINDX)

MATTHEWS INDIA FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MIDNX)

MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MJFOX)

MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MIJFX)

MATTHEWS KOREA FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MAKOX)

MATTHEWS KOREA FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MIKOX)

MATTHEWS ASIAN GROWTH AND INCOME FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MACSX)

MATTHEWS ASIAN GROWTH AND INCOME FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MICSX)

MATTHEWS ASIA DIVIDEND FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MAPIX)

MATTHEWS ASIA DIVIDEND FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MIPIX)

MATTHEWS CHINA DIVIDEND FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MCDFX)

MATTHEWS CHINA DIVIDEND FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MICDX)

MATTHEWS ASIA TOTAL RETURN FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MAINX)

MATTHEWS ASIA TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MINCX)

MATTHEWS ASIA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND – INVESTOR CLASS (MCRDX)

MATTHEWS ASIA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND – INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (MICPX)

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

July 29, 2022

This Statement of Additional Information (this “SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the current prospectuses of the Investor Class and the Institutional Class of the Matthews Asia Funds (the “Funds”) dated April 28, 2022, other than the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund and the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund, and with the separate current prospectus of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund dated April 28, 2022 and the separate current prospectus of the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund dated July 29, 2022 (the foregoing prospectuses, collectively, the “Prospectus”).

The Prospectus and the financial statements contained in the Funds’ Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, are incorporated herein by reference. You can obtain a free copy of the current Prospectus and Annual Report on the Funds’ website at MATTHEWSASIA.COM or by contacting a Matthews Asia Funds representative at:

Matthews Asia Funds

P.O. Box 9791

Providence, RI 02940

800.789.ASIA (2742)

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in this SAI or in the Prospectus in connection with the offering made by the Prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Funds or their underwriters. The Prospectus does not constitute an offering by the Funds or by their underwriters in any jurisdiction in which such offering may not lawfully be made.

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Fund History

Matthews International Funds (d/b/a Matthews Asia Funds) (the “Trust”), Four Embarcadero Center, Suite 550, San Francisco, California 94111, is a family of mutual funds currently offering nineteen separate series of shares. This SAI relates to sixteen of those series (each individually, a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”):

Global Emerging Markets Strategies:

Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund

Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund

Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund

Asia Growth Strategies:

Matthews Asia Growth Fund

Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund

Matthews Asia Innovators Fund

Matthews China Fund

Matthews India Fund

Matthews Japan Fund

Matthews Korea Fund

Matthews China Small Companies Fund

Asia Growth and Income Strategies:

Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund

Matthews Asia Dividend Fund

Matthews China Dividend Fund

Asia Fixed Income Strategies:

Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund

Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund

Each Fund has both an Investor Class and an Institutional Class of beneficial interests.

Description of the Funds

Please read the following information together with the information contained in the current prospectuses of the Investor Class and the Institutional Class of the Funds dated April 28, 2022, other than the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund and the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund, and with the information contained in the separate current prospectus of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund dated April 28, 2022, and with the information contained in the separate current prospectus of the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund dated July 29, 2022, concerning the investment strategies, risks and policies of the Funds. The information in this SAI supplements the information in the Prospectus.

The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory (business) trust on April 13, 1994 and commenced operations on September 12, 1994. It has never been engaged in any other business. Each Fund is “diversified” except for the Matthews Asia Total

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Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, which are non-diversified. Diversified means that at least 75% of the value of a fund’s total assets must be comprised of (i) cash and cash items, (ii) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, (iii) securities of other investment companies, or (iv) other securities, provided that no more than 5% of the value of the fund’s total assets are invested in the securities of a single issuer and the fund does not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. The remaining 25% of the value of a fund’s total assets may be invested in a single issuer, or in multiple issuers, not subject to the above limitations.

A “non-diversified” fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in the securities of a single issuer compared with that of a diversified fund. An investment in one of the non-diversified Funds entails greater risk than an investment in a diversified fund because of its greater exposure to the risks associated with individual issuers: a higher percentage of investments among fewer issuers may result in greater volatility of the total market value of the Fund’s portfolio; and economic, political or regulatory developments may have a greater impact on the value of the Fund’s portfolio than would be the case if the portfolio were diversified among more issuers.

Each Fund has elected and intends to continue to qualify to be treated as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Such qualification relieves a Fund of liability for federal income taxes to the extent the Fund’s earnings are distributed in accordance with the Code. To so qualify, among other requirements, each Fund will limit its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (i) not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (ii) with respect to 50% of the market value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the market value of its total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and it will not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.

Investment Objective

The investment objective of each of the Funds, except for the Matthews Asia Dividend Fund, Matthews China Dividend Fund, Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund, Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

The investment objective of the Matthews Asia Dividend Fund and Matthews China Dividend Fund is to seek total return with an emphasis on providing current income. The investment objective of the Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation with some current income. The investment objective of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund is to seek total return over the long term and, for the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, with an emphasis on income.

Investment Process

Matthews International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”) is the investment advisor to each of the Funds. Matthews invests primarily in the Asia Pacific region based on its assessment of the future development and economic prospects of companies located in that region. Matthews also invests in emerging market countries outside the Asia Pacific region on behalf of the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund, the Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund and the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund. Matthews believes that the countries in these regions are on paths toward economic development and, in general, deregulation and greater openness to market forces. Matthews believes in the potential for these economies, and believes that the intersection of development and deregulation will create opportunities for further growth. Matthews attempts to capitalize on its beliefs by investing in companies it considers to be well-positioned to participate in the economic evolution in these regions. Matthews uses a range of approaches to participate in the growth of the Asia Pacific and other regions to suit clients’ differing needs and investment objectives.

Matthews researches the fundamental characteristics of individual companies to help to understand the foundation of a company’s long-term development, and to assess whether it is generally consistent with Matthews’ expectations for a region’s economic evolution. Matthews evaluates potential portfolio holdings on the basis of their individual merits, and invests in those companies that it believes are positioned to help a Fund achieve its investment objectives.

Matthews has long-term investment goals and its process aims to identify potential portfolio investments that can be held over an indefinite time horizon. Matthews regularly tests its beliefs and adjusts portfolio holdings in light of prevailing market conditions and other factors, including, among other things, economic, political or market events (e.g., changes in credit conditions or military action), changes in relative valuations (to both a company’s financial prospects and to other issuers), liquidity requirements and management malfeasance or other unethical conduct.

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Matthews uses a fundamentals-based investment process to manage the fixed-income portfolios of investments for the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, with a focus on risk-adjusted return. Matthews’ fixed-income investment process includes six steps, with risk management embedded into each step of the process in order to identify and capitalize on credit (including counterparty), interest rate (duration), and currency opportunities and risks.

The Funds, other than the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, Matthews Asia Dividend Fund, Matthews China Dividend Fund and Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund, invest where Matthews believes the potential for capital growth exists and in companies that it believes have demonstrated the ability to anticipate and adapt to changing markets. With respect to the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, Matthews seeks to invest in debt and debt-related instruments issued by governments, quasi-governmental entities, supra-national institutions, and companies in Asia. With respect to the Matthews Asia Dividend Fund and Matthews China Dividend Fund, Matthews seeks to invest in companies that have in the past paid high dividends relative to their share prices, or which it believes are well-positioned to grow future dividends, or both. Accordingly, each of the Matthews Asia Dividend Fund and Matthews China Dividend Fund expects that its portfolio will primarily consist of companies with established dividend-paying records. With respect to the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund, Matthews seeks to invest in companies located in emerging market countries that have the potential to profit from the long-term opportunities presented by the global environmental and social challenges as well as those emerging markets companies that are contributing (or have the potential to contribute) to positive outcomes in environmental, social and governance focus areas, after taking into consideration the Fund’s environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) standards in addition to traditional financial data.

Equity securities in which the Funds, other than the Matthews Asia Dividend Fund, the Matthews China Dividend Fund, the Matthews Korea Fund, the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks, such as convertible bonds and debentures. The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may invest in these types of equity securities to a limited extent. Equity securities in which the Matthews Asia Dividend Fund and the Matthews China Dividend Fund may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, and other equity-related instruments (including, for example, investment trusts and other financial instruments). Equity securities in which the Matthews Korea Fund may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks, such as convertible bonds and debentures, warrants and rights, equity interests in trusts, partnerships, joint ventures or similar enterprises and depositary receipts of issuers located in South Korea.

Debt securities in which the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may invest include bonds, debentures, bills, securitized instruments (which are vehicles backed by pools of assets such as mortgages, loans, or other receivables), notes, certificates of deposit and other bank obligations, bank loans, senior secured bank debt, convertible debt securities, credit-linked notes, inflation-linked instruments, repurchase agreements, dividend paying equity securities, preferred equities, warrants, payment-in-kind securities and derivative instruments with fixed-income characteristics.

Each of the Funds, other than the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund and the Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund, may invest no more than 20% of its total assets in debt securities, including securities issued by government entities and their political subdivisions. The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund and the Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund are permitted to invest in debt securities of any quality, including high yield debt securities rated below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”) and unrated debt securities. The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund may invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of issuers from a single country (including the government of that country, its agencies, instrumentalities and political subdivisions), and up to 25% of its total assets may be invested in the securities issued by any one Asian government (including its agencies, instrumentalities and political subdivisions). The Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of issuers from a single country (including the government of that country, its agencies, instrumentalities and political subdivisions), and up to 25% of its total assets may be invested in the securities issued by any one Asian government (including its agencies, instrumentalities and political subdivisions).

The Funds may invest in securities of issuers of various sizes. Smaller companies often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, and they may be dependent upon one or a few key people for management and may lack depth of management. Smaller companies may have less certain growth prospects, and be more sensitive to changing economic

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conditions than larger, more established companies. A Fund may have more difficulty obtaining information about smaller portfolio companies, or valuing or disposing of their securities, than it would if it focused on larger, more well-known companies. Transaction costs in stocks of smaller capitalization companies may be higher than those of larger capitalization companies. The securities of such companies generally are subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements and may be less liquid than securities of larger, more established companies or the markets in general, and can react differently to political, market and economic developments than these companies or markets.

The Funds may invest in debt securities, including convertible debt securities, debt securities rated below investment grade, as well as unrated securities that have been deemed by Matthews to be of similar credit quality. Securities rated below investment grade (and unrated securities of comparable quality as determined by Matthews) are sometimes referred to as “high yield securities” or “junk bonds” and are considered to be speculative investments. High yield securities involve a greater risk of loss of principal and interest (see “Risks Associated with Securities Rated Below Investment Grade”). There is no objective standard against which Matthews may evaluate the credit and other risks of unrated securities. Matthews seeks to minimize the risks of investing in unrated and lower-rated securities through investment analysis and attention to current developments in interest rates and economic conditions. In selecting debt and convertible securities for the Funds, Matthews may assess the following factors, among others:

The Funds may also invest in securities of foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and International Depositary Receipts (“IDRs”), also known as Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). Generally, ADRs in registered form are U.S. dollar-denominated securities designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, which may be converted into an underlying foreign security. ADRs represent the right to receive securities of foreign issuers deposited in the domestic bank or correspondent bank. ADRs do not eliminate all the risks inherent in investing in the securities of foreign issuers. The Funds may also invest in EDRs, which are receipts evidencing an arrangement with a European bank similar to that for ADRs and are designed for use in the European securities markets.

IDRs and GDRs are similar to ADRs except that they are bearer securities for investors or traders outside the U.S., and for companies wishing to raise equity capital in securities markets outside the U.S. Most IDRs have been used to represent shares although some represent bonds, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. Some IDRs may be convertible to ADRs, making them particularly useful for arbitrage between the markets.

The Funds may purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis and may purchase or sell securities on a “forward commitment” basis. Such transactions may act as a hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices.

Risks of Investment

All investments involve risk. There can be no guarantee against loss resulting from an investment in the Funds, nor can there be any assurance that a Fund’s investment objective will be attained. Below is supplemental information about risks of investing in the Funds. Further information about the principal risks of investing in the Funds can be found in the Prospectus.

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Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in Asia

The value of a Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by political, economic, social and religious factors, inadequate investor protection, changes in the laws or regulations of the countries in which it invests and the status of these countries’ relations with other countries. In addition, the economies of these countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in respects such as the rate of growth of gross domestic product, the rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes in global trade. Deflationary factors could also reemerge in certain Asian markets, the potential effects of which are difficult to forecast. While certain Asian governments will have the ability to offset deflationary conditions through fiscal or budgetary measures, others will lack the capacity to do so. Some countries have limited natural resources (such as oil and natural gas), resulting in dependence on foreign sources for certain raw materials and vulnerability to global fluctuations of price and supply.

In many other countries, the government has exercised and continues to exercise significant influence over many aspects of the economy, and the number of public sector enterprises in these countries is substantial. Accordingly, future government actions in these countries could have a significant effect on the economy of these countries, which could affect private sector companies and the Funds, market conditions, and prices and yields of securities in a Fund’s portfolio.

Risks of Investing in Emerging Markets

The Funds invest primarily in the Asia Pacific region. Many countries of the Asia Pacific region are considered to be developing or emerging economies and markets. The Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund, the Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund and the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund also invest a substantial portion of its total net assets in various emerging countries and markets outside the Asia Pacific region. The risks of investment in such markets include (i) less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the smaller size of the securities markets and the lower volume of trading, which may result in a lack of liquidity and in greater price volatility; (iii) certain national policies that may restrict a Fund’s investment opportunities, including restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests, or expropriation or confiscation of assets or property, which could result in a Fund’s loss of its entire investment in that market; (iv) less developed legal and regulatory structures governing private or foreign investment or allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property; (v) inaccurate, incomplete or misleading financial information on companies in which the Funds invest; (vi) securities of companies may trade at prices not consistent with traditional valuation measures; and (vii) limitations on foreign ownership, which may impact the price of a security purchased or held by the Funds.

Many developing countries in which the Funds invest lack the social, political and economic stability characteristics of the United States. Political instability among emerging market countries can be common and may be caused by an uneven distribution of wealth, social unrest, labor strikes, civil wars and religious oppression. Economic instability in emerging market countries may take the form of: (i) high interest rates; (ii) high levels of inflation, including hyperinflation; (iii) high levels of unemployment or underemployment; (iv) changes in government economic and tax policies, including confiscatory taxation; and (v) imposition of trade barriers.

Stock exchanges in emerging markets have in the past experienced substantial fluctuations in the prices of their listed securities. They have also experienced problems such as temporary exchange closures, broker defaults, settlement delays and broker strikes that, if they occur again, could affect the market price and liquidity of the securities in which the Funds invest. In addition, the governing bodies of certain stock exchanges have from time to time imposed restrictions on trading in certain securities, limitations on price movements and margin requirements. Disputes have also occurred from time to time among listed companies, the stock exchanges and other regulatory bodies, and in some cases those disputes have had a negative effect on overall market sentiment. There have been delays and errors in share allotments relating to initial public offerings, which in turn may affect overall market sentiment and lead to fluctuations in the market prices of the securities of those companies and others in which the Funds may invest.

In the past, governments within the emerging markets have become overly reliant on the international capital markets and other forms of foreign credit to finance public spending programs that cause large deficits. Often, interest payments have become too burdensome for the government to meet, representing a large percentage of total GDP. These foreign obligations then become the subject of political debate with the opposition parties pressuring the government to use its resources for social programs rather than making payments to foreign creditors. Some foreign governments have been forced to seek a restructuring of their loan and/or bond obligations and have declared a temporary suspension of interest payments or have defaulted. These events have adversely affected the values of securities issued by foreign governments and companies in emerging market countries and have negatively impacted not only their cost of borrowing, but their ability to borrow in the future as well.

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In addition, brokerage commissions, custodial fees, withholding taxes, and other costs relating to investment in foreign markets may be higher than in the United States. The operating expense ratio of a Fund may be expected to be higher than that of a fund investing primarily in the securities of U.S. issuers.

Many emerging market countries suffer from uncertainty and corruption in their legal frameworks. Legislation may be difficult to interpret and laws may be too new to provide any precedential value. Laws regarding foreign investment and private property may be weak or non-existent. Sudden changes in governments may result in policies that are less favorable to investors, such as policies designed to expropriate or nationalize “sovereign” assets. Certain emerging market countries in the past have expropriated large amounts of private property, in many cases with little or no compensation, and there can be no assurance that such expropriation will not occur in the future.

Legal principles relating to corporate affairs and the validity of corporate procedures, directors’ fiduciary duties and liabilities and shareholders’ rights may differ from those that may apply in the United States and other more developed countries. Shareholders’ rights may not be as extensive as those that exist under the laws of the United States and other more developed countries. A Fund may therefore have more difficulty asserting shareholder rights than it would as a shareholder of a comparable U.S. company.

Disclosure and regulatory standards of emerging market countries are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. Issuers are subject to accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from those applicable to issuers in the United States or other more developed countries. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of an issuer may not reflect its financial position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected had such financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. or European generally accepted accounting principles. There is substantially less publicly available information about emerging market issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.

Risks of Foreign Currency

Currencies of emerging market countries are subject to significantly greater risks than currencies of developed countries. Many emerging market countries have experienced steady declines or sudden devaluations of their currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. Some emerging markets currencies may not be internationally traded or may be subject to strict controls by local governments, resulting in undervalued or overvalued currencies. Some emerging markets countries have experienced deficits and shortages in foreign exchange reserves. Governments have responded by restricting currency conversions, foreign investments or the repatriation of foreign investments. Future restrictive exchange controls could prevent or restrict the ability of an issuer in such markets to make dividend or interest payments in the original currency of the obligation. In addition, even though the currencies of some emerging market countries may be converted into U.S. dollars, the conversion rates may not reflect their market values.

The U.S. dollar value of a Fund’s investments and of dividends and interest earned by the Funds may be significantly affected by changes in currency exchange rates. The value of a Fund’s assets denominated in foreign currencies will increase or decrease in response to fluctuations in the value of those foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. For example, if a Fund increases its exposure to a currency and that currency’s price subsequently falls, such currency management may result in increased losses to that Fund. Similarly, if a Fund decreases its exposure to a currency and the currency’s price rises, that Fund will lose the opportunity to participate in the currency’s appreciation. Some currency prices may be volatile, and there is the possibility of government controls on currency exchange or government intervention in currency markets, which could adversely affect the Funds. Foreign investments, which are not U.S. dollar-denominated, may require a Fund to convert assets into foreign currencies or to convert assets and income from foreign currencies to U.S. dollars. Normally, exchange transactions will be conducted on a spot, cash or forward basis at the prevailing rate in the foreign exchange market.

Dividends and interest received by the Funds with respect to foreign securities may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. In addition, many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains with respect to investments by non-resident investors.

The Funds may invest in convertible debt securities, which may be denominated in U.S. dollars, local or other currencies. The value of convertible securities varies with a number of factors including the value and volatility of the underlying stock, the level and volatility of interest rates, the passage of time, dividend policy and other variables. Investing in a convertible security denominated in a currency different from that of the security into which it is convertible may expose a Fund to currency risk as well as risks associated with the level and volatility of the foreign exchange rate between the security’s currency and the underlying stock’s currency.

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Risks of Fixed-Income Securities

All fixed-income securities are subject to three primary types of risks: credit risk, currency risk and interest rate risk. The credit risk relates to the ability and willingness of the issuer to meet interest or principal payments or both as they come due. The currency risk results from fluctuations in the currency denomination of a bond in relation to other currencies. The interest rate risk refers to the fluctuations in the net asset value (“NAV”) of any portfolio of fixed-income securities resulting from the inverse relationship between price and yield of fixed-income securities; that is, when the general level of interest rates rises, the prices of outstanding fixed-income securities decline, and when interest rates fall, prices rise.

If the currency in which a security is denominated appreciates against the U.S. dollar, the dollar value of the security will increase. Conversely, a rise in interest rates or a decline in the exchange rate of the currency would adversely affect the value of the security expressed in dollars. Fixed-income securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar or in multinational currency units are evaluated on the strength of the particular currency against the U.S. dollar as well as on the current and expected levels of interest rates in the country or countries.

In an international bond portfolio, the interest rate risk of a security is primarily linked to the interest rates of the currency of denomination of the security. For instance, U.S. dollar-denominated bonds of Asian companies would be primarily exposed to U.S. interest rate risk, rather than the interest rates of the home country of that company.

Analogously, local currency bonds of Asian companies would be primarily exposed to the interest rates of the country of the currency of denomination of the security, so an Indonesian rupiah-denominated bond, for instance, would be most sensitive to the interest rates of Indonesia.

Risks of Securities Rated Below Investment Grade

In this SAI, references are made to credit ratings of debt securities, which measure an issuer’s expected ability to pay principal and interest over time. Credit ratings are determined by rating organizations, such as Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”), S&P Global (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”). The following terms are generally used to describe the credit quality of debt securities depending on the security’s credit rating or, if unrated, credit quality as determined by Matthews:

For a further description of credit ratings, see “Appendix: Bond Ratings.” As noted in the Appendix, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch may modify their ratings of securities to show relative standing within a rating category, with the addition of numerical modifiers (1, 2 or 3) in the case of Moody’s, and with the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign in the case of S&P or Fitch. A Fund may purchase a security, regardless of any rating modification, provided the security is rated at or above the Fund’s minimum rating category. For example, a Fund may purchase a security rated B3 by Moody’s, B- by S&P, or B- by Fitch, provided the Fund may purchase securities rated B.

Each Fund (except the Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund, the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund) limits its investments in securities rated below investment grade (securities rated lower than BBB by S&P or Fitch, Baa or below by Moody’s or, if unrated, are of comparable quality in the judgment of Matthews) to no more than 15% of its total assets. Securities rated lower than BBB by S&P or Fitch, or Baa by Moody’s are considered to have speculative characteristics. Debt securities rated below investment grade, commonly referred to as “junk bonds,” are considered to be of poor standing and have speculative characteristics that result in a greater risk of loss of principal and interest. There can be no assurance that the Funds would be protected from widespread bond defaults brought about by a sustained economic downturn or other market and interest rate changes.

The value of lower-rated debt securities will be influenced not only by changing interest rates, but also by the bond market’s perception of credit quality and the outlook for economic growth. When economic conditions appear to be deteriorating, low and medium-rated bonds may decline in market value due to investors’ heightened concern over credit quality, regardless of prevailing interest rates. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and liquidity (liquidity refers to the ease or difficulty which a Fund could sell a security at its perceived value) of lower-rated securities held by a Fund, especially in a thinly-traded foreign market.

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To the extent that an established secondary market does not exist and a particular lower-rated debt security is thinly-traded, that security’s fair value may be difficult to determine because of the absence of reliable objective data. As a result, a Fund’s valuation of the security and the price it could obtain upon its disposition could differ.

The credit ratings of S&P, Fitch and Moody’s are evaluations of the safety of principal and interest payments, not market value risk, of lower-rated securities. Credit rating agencies may fail to change timely the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events. Therefore, in addition to using recognized rating agencies and other sources, Matthews may perform its own analysis of issuers. Matthews’ analysis of issuers may be based on various factors, including, without limitation, historic and current financial conditions and current and anticipated cash flows. Such analysis is used by Matthews only for purposes of making an investment decision for the Funds, and Matthews makes no representation or guarantee as to the credit quality of a security in performing such analysis.

PARTICIPATION ON CREDITOR COMMITTEES: The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may invest in debt that is subject to defaults and workouts. Representatives of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund or Matthews may from time to time participate on committees formed by creditors to negotiate with the management of financially troubled issuers of securities held by the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund. Such participation may subject the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund to expenses such as legal fees and may make the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund an “insider” of the issuer for purposes of the federal securities laws, and therefore may restrict the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s ability to trade in or acquire additional positions in a particular security when it might otherwise desire to do so. Participation by the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund on such committees also may expose the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund to potential liabilities under the federal bankruptcy laws or other laws governing the rights of creditors and debtors. The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund will participate on such committees only when Matthews believes that such participation is necessary or desirable to enforce the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s rights as a creditor or to protect the value of securities held by the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund.

Risks of Asset-Backed Securities

The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may invest in securities issued by trusts and special purpose corporations with principal and interest payouts backed by, or supported by, any of various types of assets. These assets typically include receivables related to the purchase of automobiles, credit card loans, and home equity loans. These securities generally take the form of a structured type of security, including pass-through, pay-through, and stripped interest payout structures similar to the collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”) structure. Investments in these and other types of asset-backed securities must be consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund.

Asset-backed securities differ from conventional debt securities because principal is paid back periodically over the life of the security rather than at maturity. The overall credit quality of a securitized instrument depends primarily on the quality of the pools’ underlying assets. Similarly, the risk of default on an asset-backed security depends on the aggregate performance of the pool, not on any individual borrower’s ability or willingness to re-pay a loan. The market for asset-backed securities in most Asian countries is relatively new. Accordingly, historical information regarding pre-payment rates, default rates, and the performance of these securities generally may be unavailable or insufficient to assess credit quality and the other risks discussed in this section. Furthermore, while some asset-backed securities may be rated by an independent rating agency, such ratings may not provide sufficient or accurate information about the ultimate performance of asset-backed securities.

The degree of seniority and subordination of the particular asset-backed security will also impact its performance and market value.

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The principal on asset-backed securities may be prepaid at any time. When interest rates fall, the rate of prepayments tends to increase. Prepayments could reduce yield and market value of a security, and reduce the average maturity of, and the value of an investment in, the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund. Conversely, when interest rates rise, prepayments typically decrease. When pools of assets (i.e., asset-backed securities) are pre-paid at a slower rate than expected, the average maturity of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s portfolio may increase. This effect is referred to as “extension risk.” When pre-payments decelerate, the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may be unable to sell asset-backed securities (or be forced to sell them at reduced market values), rendering the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund unable to capitalize on asset-backed (or other) securities paying higher interest rates. Extension risk tends to make the market price of asset-backed securities, and other callable debt securities more volatile. Extension risk is primarily associated with mortgage-backed securities, but may affect all asset-backed securities.

Asset-backed securities involve certain risks, resulting mainly from the fact that asset-backed securities do not usually contain the complete benefit of a security interest in the related collateral. For example, credit card receivables generally are unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, some of which may reduce the ability to obtain full payment. In the case of automobile receivables, due to various legal and economic factors, proceeds from repossessed collateral may not always be sufficient to support payments on these securities.

The markets for asset-backed securities in Asia are relatively new. These markets may lack transparency, efficient price mechanisms and secondary market liquidity. The value of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund assets may be adversely affected by changes in legal and regulatory standards and inadequate investor protection (including insufficient recognition of the rights of beneficial owners). Accounting and disclosure standards applied to asset-backed securities may provide less transparency and disclosure than would be available for such instruments in more developed markets. Asian asset-backed securities markets may be thinly traded and provide less liquidity, especially in at times of economic or financial stress.

Risks of Pledged Shares

In certain markets such as, but not limited to, India and mainland China, the practice of issuers and large shareholders pledging their shares to banks as collateral to borrow capital may be common market practice. The level of transparency as to the amount of pledged shares differs among those markets, but generally is lacking to one degree or another, making it difficult or impossible to determine precisely, at any given time, the amount of an issuer’s shares or aggregate capitalization in a particular market that may be pledged. The prevalence of share pledging for a particular issuer or market may engender risk to that issuer specifically or market generally. For example, a decline in an issuer’s share price, which reduces the value of the pledged shares, may cause the lender to sell the pledged shares, sometimes in large quantities in a short amount of time, to recoup loans if the borrower is unable to provide additional collateral, which could exacerbate the decline in the issuer’s share price. Similarly, the prevalence of share pledging in a market could exacerbate any general decline in that market as lenders sell pledged shares to recoup loans. In either of these cases, a Fund that invests in a particular issuer or a market in which share pledging is prevalent could suffer greater losses than otherwise due to the knock-on effect of the practice of share pledging.

Cyber Security Risks

Information and technology systems relied upon by the Funds, Matthews, the Funds’ service providers (including, but not limited to, Fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents, administrators, distributors and other financial intermediaries) and/or the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons, security breaches, usage errors, power outages and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Although Matthews has implemented measures to manage risks relating to these types of events, systems failures may still occur from time to time. The failure of these systems and/or of disaster recovery plans could cause significant interruptions in the operations of the Funds, Matthews, the Funds’ service providers and/or issuers of securities in which the Funds invest and may result in a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information relating to investors (and the beneficial owners of investors). Such a failure could also harm the reputation of a Fund, Matthews, the Funds’ service providers and/or issuers of securities in which a Fund invests, subject such entities and their respective affiliates to legal claims or otherwise affect their business and financial performance.

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Risks of Investing in Foreign Countries

The Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund, Matthews Asia Dividend Fund, Matthews Asia Growth Fund, Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund, Matthews Asia Innovators Fund, Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may invest in companies from different countries. In addition, each of these Funds may invest up to 20% of its total assets in companies and other issuers located outside of Asia or the Asia Pacific region. Each of the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund and Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund may invest in different countries and may invest up to 20% of its total assets in companies located outside of emerging countries and markets. The Matthews India Fund, Matthews Japan Fund and Matthews Korea Fund may each invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities located outside of India, Japan and South Korea, respectively; the Matthews China Fund, Matthews China Dividend Fund and Matthews China Small Companies Fund may each invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities located outside of China. The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund may invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of issuers from a single country, and up to 25% of its total assets may be invested in the securities issued by any one Asian government. The Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of issuers from a single country, and up to 25% of its total assets in the securities issued by any one Asian government. Such investments by the Funds may be in the securities of companies from any country, including, without limitation, the United States. Each country’s size, level of economic development, and economic and political stability will have an impact on the value of those companies.

The Matthews India Fund, Matthews Japan Fund and Matthews Korea Fund concentrate their investments, respectively, in securities of Indian, Japanese or South Korean companies; and the Matthews China Fund, Matthews China Dividend Fund and Matthews China Small Companies Fund concentrate their investments in securities of Chinese companies. Consequently, the share price of each of these Funds may be more volatile, and more affected by political, economic and other events in the country in which they invest than that of mutual funds that are not as geographically concentrated. An investment in any of these Funds should not be considered a complete investment program, but may be used to help diversify a portfolio. Information regarding the risks associated with investing in China (including Hong Kong), Taiwan, India, Japan and South Korea is included in the Prospectus and is set forth below.

Risks Associated with China

The Funds may hold securities listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (“SSE”) or Shenzhen Stock Exchange (“SZSE”). Securities listed on these exchanges are divided into two classes: A shares, which are mostly limited to domestic investors (“China A Shares,” as described further below under “Risks Associated with Investing In China A Shares”), and B shares, which are allocated for both international and domestic investors (“China B Shares”). Currently, the Funds’ exposure to securities listed on either the SSE or SZSE is largely through the China B Shares. However, the Funds may hold smaller amounts of China A Shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs (each a “Stock Connect” and together the “Stock Connects”) or through Matthews’ Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) Status.

The Stock Connects and Matthews’ QFI Status are described in more detail under “Risks Associated with Investing In China A Shares,” below. In addition to these China A Shares and China B Shares, the Funds may also invest in Hong Kong listed H shares, Hong Kong listed Red Chips (which are companies incorporated in certain foreign jurisdictions, owned by national or local governments in China and deriving substantial revenues in China, but listed in Hong Kong), P Chips (which are companies incorporated in certain foreign jurisdictions, controlled by individuals in China and deriving substantial revenues in China, but listed in Hong Kong) and companies with a significant amount of their revenues derived from business conducted in China (regardless of the exchange on which the security is listed or the jurisdiction in which the company is based).

Some Funds may invest in onshore China bonds via the QFI Status awarded to Matthews or through a China Interbank Bond Market (“CIBM”) registration. CIBM is an over-the-counter (“OTC”) market outside the two main stock exchanges in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”), Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and was established in 1997. On CIBM, institutional investors (including domestic institutional investors but also QFIs, as well as other offshore institutional investors, subject to authorization) trade certain debt instruments on a one-to-one quote-driven basis. CIBM accounts for a vast majority of outstanding bond values of total trading volume in the PRC. The main debt instruments traded on CIBM include government bonds, financial bonds, corporate bonds, bond repo, bond lending, and People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”) bills.

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Investors should be aware that trading on CIBM exposes the applicable Fund to increased risks. CIBM is still in its development stage, and the market capitalization and trading volume may be lower than those of more developed markets. Market volatility and potential lack of liquidity due to low trading volume of certain debt securities may result in the prices of debt securities traded on such market to fluctuate significantly. Funds investing in such a market therefore may incur significant trading, settlement and realization costs, and may face counterparty default risk, liquidity and volatility risks, resulting in significant losses for the Funds and their investors. Further, since a large portion of issuers of the CIBM products consists of Chinese state-owned entities, the policy priorities of the Chinese government, the strategic importance of the industry, and the strength of a company’s ties to the local, provincial, or central government may and will affect the pricing of such securities.

In addition to the risks of investing in securities of Chinese issuers described in the Prospectus, it is important to understand that significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as the Chinese regulatory authorities and Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events. The liquidity of Chinese securities may shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political events, or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. The liquidity of a suspended security may be significantly impaired, and may be more difficult to value accurately. Illiquidity of a Fund’s holdings may limit the ability of the Fund to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis.

Risks of Variable Interest Entities

Certain of the Funds (currently including the Matthews Asia Growth Fund, Matthews Asia Innovators Fund and Matthews China Fund) invest a substantial portion of their assets, and the other Funds may invest to a lesser extent, in certain operating companies in China through legal structures known as variable interest entities (“VIEs”). In China, ownership of companies in certain sectors by foreign individuals and entities (including U.S. persons and entities such as the Funds) is prohibited. In order to facilitate foreign investment in these businesses, many Chinese companies have created VIEs. In such an arrangement, a China-based operating company typically establishes an offshore shell company in another jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. That shell company enters into service and other contracts with the China-based operating company, then issues shares on a foreign exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Foreign investors hold stock in the shell company rather than directly in the China-based operating company. This arrangement allows U.S. investors to obtain economic exposure to the China-based company through contractual means rather than through formal equity ownership.

On July 30, 2021, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler issued a statement addressing recent guidance to and restrictions placed on China-based companies raising capital offshore, including through VIE structures, by the government of China. Chairman Gensler’s statement highlighted his view of certain risks to U.S. investors of investing in VIEs. The risks mentioned by him together with the risks identified by the Funds primarily include the following items. Although VIEs are a longstanding industry practice and well known to officials and regulators in China, VIE structures are not formally recognized under Chinese law. Investors face uncertainty about future actions by the government of China that could significantly affect an operating company’s financial performance and the enforceability of the shell company’s contractual arrangements. It is uncertain whether Chinese officials or regulators will withdraw their implicit acceptance of the VIE structure, or whether any new laws, rules or regulations relating to VIE structures will be adopted or, if adopted, what impact they would have on the interests of foreign shareholders. Under extreme circumstances, China might prohibit the existence of VIEs, or sever their ability to transmit economic and governance rights to foreign individuals and entities; if so, the market value of the Funds’ associated portfolio holdings would likely suffer significant, detrimental, and possibly permanent effects, which could result in substantial investment losses.

Risks Associated with Taiwan

The political reunification of China and Taiwan, over which China continues to claim sovereignty, is a highly complex issue and is unlikely to be settled in the near future. Continuing hostility between China and Taiwan may have an adverse impact on the values of a Fund’s investments in both China and Taiwan, or make investment in China and Taiwan impracticable or impossible. Any escalation of hostility between China and Taiwan would likely distort Taiwan’s capital accounts, as well as have a significant adverse impact on the value of a Fund’s investments in both countries, and in other countries in the region.

Taiwan has in the past shown an ability to prosper in a competitive environment on the strength of product quality, efficiency and responsiveness to market demand. This ability will continue to be tested in the future as, in addition to certain protectionist threats, Taiwan’s export economy faces competition from producers in other countries with lower wage levels than those generally prevailing in Taiwan. Skilled workers and technical personnel are still relatively inexpensive in Taiwan, but unskilled labor is increasingly in short supply. Recognizing the imperatives of the more competitive Asian economy, the Taiwanese government is seeking to develop Taiwan into a regional hub for high-end manufacturing, sea and air transportation, finance, telecommunications and media. Taiwan is seeking to develop further as a service-oriented economy rather than a labor-intensive, manufacturing-oriented one. One result of the movement of industrial capacity offshore has been the reduction of the labor shortage in manufacturing.

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Risks Associated with India

The Indian government has exercised, and continues to exercise, significant influence over many aspects of the Indian economy. Foreign investment in the securities of issuers in India is usually restricted or controlled to some degree. In addition, the availability of financial instruments with exposure to Indian financial markets may be substantially limited by restrictions on foreign investors. In India, only certain foreign entities are permitted to invest in exchange-traded securities, subject to the conditions specified in Indian guidelines and regulations. The Trust was initially required to register with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) and the Reserve Bank of India as a Foreign Institutional Investor (“FII”) to receive permission to trade in Indian securities. In 2014, SEBI issued new Foreign Portfolio Investor (“FPI”) regulations (the “Guidelines”), replacing the regulations relating to FII investment. As with the prior FII regulations, the Guidelines require SEBI to review the professional experience and reputation of the FPI, and custodian arrangements for Indian securities. Although the Trust has transitioned its status as a registered FII to a registered FPI, it

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must still seek renewal of this status periodically. There can be no guarantee that regulatory approval will be granted to continue the Trust’s FPI status. FPIs are required to observe certain investment restrictions, including limiting the aggregate ownership of any one company by an FPI and its investors to less than 10% of the company’s total issued share capital. In addition, the shareholdings of all registered FPIs may not exceed 24% of the issued share capital of most companies. It is possible that this restriction could be raised or potentially lifted, subject to that company’s approval. Under normal circumstances, income, gains and initial capital with respect to such investments are freely repatriable, subject to payment or withholding of applicable Indian taxes. Please see “Other Foreign Tax Issues.” There can be no assurance that these investment control regimes will not change in a way that makes it more difficult or impossible for the Funds to reach their investment objectives or repatriate their income, gains and initial capital from India.

A high proportion of the shares of many Indian issuers are held by a limited number of persons or entities, which may limit the number of shares available for investment by a Fund. In addition, further issuances (or the perception that such issuances may occur) of securities by Indian issuers in which a Fund has invested could dilute the earnings per share of that Fund’s investment and could adversely affect the market price of such securities. Sales of securities by such issuer’s major shareholders, or the perception that such sales may occur, may also significantly and adversely affect the market price of such securities and, in turn, a Fund’s investment. A limited number of issuers represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading value. The limited liquidity of the Indian securities markets may also affect a Fund’s ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time that it desires.

Certain sectors, such as telecommunications or banking, have restrictions that limit foreign investment above a specified percentage (or require regulatory approval to exceed that percentage). In addition, Indian takeover regulations contain certain provisions that may delay, deter, or prevent a future takeover or change in control of Indian companies. Those regulations may discourage or prevent a third-party from acquiring control of an Indian company, even if a change in control would result in the purchase of equity shares of such company at a premium to the market price or would otherwise be beneficial to a Fund. Certain reports also are required to be made upon reaching the specified levels under the Indian takeover regulations. Because FPIs are required to report the acquisition or divestment of shares of Indian companies with Indian regulators upon crossing certain thresholds, a Fund may be required to submit reports in accordance with applicable laws.

The ability of the Funds to invest in Indian securities, exchange Indian rupees into U.S. dollars and repatriate investment income, capital and proceeds of sales realized from their investments in Indian securities is subject to the Indian Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, and the rules, regulations and notifications issued thereunder. There can be no assurance that the Indian government in the future, whether for purposes of managing its balance of payments or for other reasons, will not impose restrictions on foreign capital remittances abroad or otherwise modify the exchange control regime applicable to foreign institutional investors in such a way that may adversely affect the ability of the Funds to repatriate their income and capital. Such conditions or modifications may prompt the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board of Trustees” or the “Board”) to suspend redemptions of a Fund’s shares for up to the period allowed by the 1940 Act, which is seven days, except in certain limited circumstances. If for any reason a Fund is unable, through borrowing or otherwise, to distribute an amount equal to substantially all of its investment company taxable income (as defined for U.S. tax purposes, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) within the applicable time periods, a Fund would cease to qualify for the favorable tax treatment afforded to regulated investment companies under the Code.

Religious and border disputes persist in India. Moreover, India has from time to time experienced civil unrest and hostilities with neighboring countries such as Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan have tested nuclear arms, and the threat of deployment of such weapons could hinder development of the Indian economy. Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan could impact the broader region. The Indian government has confronted separatist movements in several Indian states. The longstanding dispute with Pakistan over the bordering Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, a majority of whose population is Muslim, remains unresolved. Recent attacks by terrorists believed to be based in Pakistan against India have further damaged relations between the two countries. If the Indian government is unable to control the violence and disruption associated with these tensions, the results could destabilize the economy and, consequently, adversely affect a Fund’s investments.

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Risks Associated with Japan

The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan’s economic growth rate has remained relatively low. The economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population, large government debt and highly regulated labor market. Economic growth is dependent on domestic consumption, deregulation and consistent government policy. International trade, particularly with the U.S., also impacts growth and adverse economic conditions in the U.S. or other such trade partners may affect Japan. Japan also has a growing economic relationship with China and other Southeast Asian countries, and thus Japan’s economy may also be affected by economic, political or social instability in those countries (whether resulting from local or global events).

Risks Associated with South Korea

The South Korean government has historically imposed significant restrictions and controls on foreign investors. As a result, the Funds may be limited in their investments or precluded from investing in certain South Korean companies, which may adversely affect the performance of the Funds. Under current regulations, foreign investors are allowed to invest in almost all shares listed on the South Korean Stock Exchange (“KSE”). From time to time, many of the securities trade among non-South Korean residents at a premium over the market price. Foreign investors may effect transactions with other foreign investors off the KSE in the shares of companies that have reached the maximum aggregate foreign ownership limit through a securities company in South Korea. These transactions typically occur at a premium over prices on the KSE. There can be no assurance that the Funds, if they purchase such shares at a premium, will be able to realize such premiums on the sale of such shares or that such premium will not be reduced or eliminated by changes in regulations or otherwise. Such securities will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by a Valuation Committee under the supervision of the Board of Trustees (as described on page 86).

Investments by the Funds in the securities of South Korean issuers may involve investment risks different from those of U.S. issuers, including possible political, economic or social instability in South Korea, and changes in South Korean law or regulations. In addition, there is the possibility of the imposition of currency-exchange controls, foreign withholding tax on the interest income payable on such instruments, foreign controls, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits or assets, or the adoption of other foreign government restrictions that might adversely affect the South Korean securities held by the Funds. Political instability and/or military conflict involving North Korea may adversely affect the value of the Funds’ assets. Foreign securities may also be subject to greater fluctuations in price than securities of domestic corporations or the U.S. government. There may be less publicly available information about a South Korean company than about a U.S. company. Brokers in South Korea may not be as well capitalized as those in the U.S., so that they may be more susceptible to financial failure in times of market, political or economic stress. Additionally, South Korean accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements differ, in some cases significantly, from those applicable to U.S. issuers. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of a South Korean issuer may not reflect its financial position or results of operations in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. There is a possibility of expropriation, nationalization, confiscatory taxation or diplomatic developments that could adversely affect investments in South Korea.

The Funds do not intend to engage in activities that they believe would create a permanent establishment in South Korea within the meaning of the South Korea-U.S. Tax Treaty. Therefore, the Funds generally should not be subject to any South Korean income taxes other than South Korean withholding taxes. Exemption or reductions in these taxes apply if the South Korea-U.S. Tax Treaty applies to the Funds. If the treaty provisions are not, or cease to be, applicable to the Funds, significant additional withholding or other taxes could apply, reducing the NAVs of the Funds.

Risks Associated with Other Countries

The Funds may invest a substantial portion of its total net assets, in various other countries in the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each of the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund, the Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund and the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund will invest a substantial portion of its total net assets in various emerging countries and markets outside the Asia Pacific region, such as Brazil, Russia, and Mexico. Information regarding the risks associated with investing in some of these countries is included in the Prospectus, and additional information regarding the risks of investing in some of these countries is set forth below.

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Vietnam. In 1992, Vietnam initiated the process of privatization of state-owned enterprises, and expanded that process in 1996. The Vietnamese government has exercised and continues to exercise significant influence over many aspects of the economy. Accordingly, government and bureaucratic actions have a significant effect on the economy and could adversely affect market conditions, deter economic growth and the profitability of private enterprises. Some Vietnamese industries, including commercial banking, remain dominated by state-owned enterprises. To date, economic, political and legal reform has proceeded at a slow pace, and foreign direct investment remains at a developmental stage. Currently, employees and management boards hold a majority of the equity of most privatized enterprises. In addition, the government of Vietnam continues to hold, on average, more than one-third of the equity in such firms. Only a small percentage of the shares of privatized companies are held by investors. In addition, Vietnam continues to impose limitations on foreign ownership of Vietnamese companies. Vietnamese authorities have in the past imposed arbitrary repatriation taxes on foreign owners, and the government may levy withholding and other taxes on dividends, interest and gains. Despite rapid growth in economic activity over the past decade and longer, there can be no guarantee that Vietnam’s privatization process, or its efforts to reform its economic, political or legal systems will continue.

Inflation threatens long-term economic growth and may deter foreign investment in the country. In addition, foreign currency reserves in Vietnam may not be sufficient to support conversion into the U.S. dollar (or other more liquid currencies), which may result in a fund being unable to repatriate proceeds from the sales of Vietnamese holdings. Business and overseas investment patterns may exacerbate currency conversion and repatriation at certain times of the year. The Funds may attempt to repatriate from the Vietnamese Dong using a third currency (e.g., Hong Kong Dollar or Euro), which could expose the Funds to risks associated with that currency and additional costs. Perhaps to a greater extent than markets in other emerging market countries, Vietnamese markets have relatively low levels of liquidity, which may result in extreme volatility in the prices of Vietnamese securities. Market volatility may also be heightened by the actions of a small number of investors.

Pakistan. Changes in the value of investments in Pakistan and in companies with significant economic ties to that country largely depend on continued economic growth and reform in Pakistan, which remains uncertain and subject to a variety of risks. Adverse developments can result in substantial declines in the value of investments. Pakistan has faced, and continues to face, high levels of political instability and social unrest at both the regional and national levels. Such instability has and may erupt again into wide-scale disorder. Social and political instability may also result in increased levels of terrorism, prolonged economic disruption and may discourage foreign investment.

Ongoing border disputes with India may result in armed conflict between the two nations, both of which possess nuclear capabilities. Even in the absence of armed conflict, the lingering threat of war with India may depress economic growth and investment in Pakistan. Additionally, Pakistan’s geographic location and its shared borders with Afghanistan and Iran increase the risk that it will be involved in, or otherwise affected by, international conflict. Pakistan’s economic growth is in part attributable to high levels of foreign aid, loans and debt forgiveness. Such international support, however, may be significantly reduced or terminated in response to changes in the political leadership of Pakistan.

Pakistan faces a wide range of other economic problems and risks. Pakistan has undertaken a privatization initiative, but with continued opposition to such efforts, there is substantial uncertainty over whether privatization will continue and whether existing efforts will be reversed. Pakistan is subject to substantial natural resource constraints, which both hamper development and make Pakistan’s economy vulnerable to price fluctuations in these resources. Pakistan maintains large budgetary and current account deficits. The resulting high levels of national debt may not be sustainable. Pakistan also maintains a trade deficit, which could be worsened if relations with the United States, the largest market for Pakistani exports, deteriorate. The rights of investors and other property owners in Pakistan are subject to protection by a developing judicial system that is widely perceived as lacking transparency. Inflation threatens long-term economic growth and may deter foreign investment in the country. Government leaders have previously adopted policies that increased legal and economic uncertainty and inhibited foreign investment and may do so in the future.

Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is an ethnically diverse republic with authoritarian presidential rule located in a strategic position between Asia and Europe. Kazakhstan has a resource-based economy heavily dependent on the export of natural resources, and accordingly, fluctuations in certain commodity markets or sustained low prices for Kazakh exports could adversely affect Kazakhstan’s economy.

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Additionally, rising commodities prices create inflationary pressures from strong currency inflows. Kazakhstan has pursued economic reform and liberalization of many economic areas, but there is no guarantee that the government will not become directly involved in aspects of the economy in the future. The banking system is a significant weak point in the Kazakh economy because the solvency of banks is at risk from a high proportion of non-performing loans.

Brazil. Brazilian issuers are subject to possible regulatory and economic interventions by the Brazilian government, including the imposition of wage and price controls and the limitation of imports. In addition, the market for Brazilian securities is directly influenced by the flow of international capital and economic and market conditions of certain countries, especially other emerging market countries in Central and South America. The Brazilian economy historically has been exposed to high rates of inflation and a high level of debt, each of which may reduce and/or prevent economic growth. Brazil also has suffered from chronic structural public sector deficits. Such challenges have contributed to a high degree of price volatility in both the Brazilian equity and foreign currency markets. A rising unemployment rate could also have the same effect.

Mexico. The Mexican economy is dependent upon external trade with other economies, specifically with the United States and certain Latin American countries. As a result, Mexico is dependent on the U.S. economy, and any change in the price or demand for Mexican exports may have an adverse impact on the Mexican economy. Recently, Mexico has experienced an outbreak of violence related to drug trafficking. Incidents involving Mexico’s security may have an adverse effect on the Mexican economy and cause uncertainty in its financial markets. In the past, Mexico has experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, and high unemployment rates. In addition, one political party dominated its government until the elections of 2000, when political reforms were put into place to improve the transparency of the electoral process. Since then, competition among political parties has increased, resulting in elections that have been contentious, and this continued trend could lead to greater market volatility.

Russia. Russia has been undergoing some market-oriented reforms including a movement from centrally controlled ownership to privatization; however, it may experience unfavorable political developments, social instability, and/or significant changes in government policies. For example, military and political actions undertaken by Russia have prompted the United States and the regulatory bodies of certain other countries, as well as the EU, to impose economic sanctions on certain Russian individuals and Russian companies. These sanctions can consist of prohibiting certain securities trades, certain private transactions in the energy sector, asset freezes and prohibition of all business, against certain Russian individuals and Russian companies. Additionally, Russia is alleged to have participated in state-sponsored cyberattacks against foreign companies and foreign governments. Actual and threatened responses to such activity, including economic restrictions, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on the Russian government or Russian companies, may impact Russia’s economy and Russian issuers of securities in which the Funds invest. In addition, Russia’s recent military incursions in Ukraine have led to, and may lead to additional sanctions, being levied by the United States, EU and other countries against Russia. Russia’s military incursion and the resulting sanctions could adversely affect global energy and financial markets and thus could affect the value of a Fund’s investments, even beyond any direct exposure a Fund may have to Russian issuers or the adjoining geographic regions. The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be substantial. These sanctions and other responses and the continued disruption of the Russian economy may result in the devaluation of the Russian currency and a decline in the value and liquidity of Russian securities and may have other negative impacts on Russia’s economy, which could have a negative impact on a Fund’s investment performance and liquidity. Retaliatory actions by the Russian government could involve the seizure of U.S. residents’, such as a Fund’s, assets and could further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities. In addition, a Fund’s ownership in securities could be lost through fraud or negligence because ownership in shares of Russian companies is recorded by the companies themselves and by registrars, rather than by a central registration system. A Fund may not be able to pursue claims on behalf of its shareholders because Russian banking institutions and registrars are not guaranteed by the Russian government.

Additional Investment Strategies

Except as otherwise stated, the following strategies and specific types of investments are not the principal investment strategies of the Funds, but are reserved by Matthews for its use in the event that Matthews deems it appropriate to do so to achieve the Funds’ fundamental investment objectives.

1. Loans of Portfolio Securities

The Funds may lend portfolio securities to broker-dealers and financial institutions. In return, the broker-dealers and financial institutions pay the Funds money to borrow these securities. The Funds may lend portfolio securities, provided that: (1) the loan is secured continuously by collateral marked-to-market daily and maintained in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned; (2) a Fund may call the loan at any time and receive the securities loaned; (3) a Fund will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned securities; and (4) the aggregate market value of securities loaned by a Fund will not at any time exceed 33% of the total assets of that Fund.

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Collateral will consist of U.S. government securities, cash equivalents or irrevocable letters of credit. Loans of securities involve a risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities or may fail to maintain the proper amount of collateral. Therefore, the Fund will only enter into portfolio loans after a review by Matthews, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, including a review of the creditworthiness of the borrower. Such reviews will be monitored on an ongoing basis.

For the duration of the loan, a Fund will continue to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and will receive proceeds from the investment of the collateral. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even losses of rights in the securities loaned should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, the loans will be made only to borrowers deemed by Matthews to be creditworthy, and when, in the judgment of Matthews, the income which can be earned currently from such loans justifies the attendant risk. Additionally, for the duration of the loan, a Fund will not have the right to vote on securities while they are being lent, but will generally call a loan in anticipation of any important vote, as determined by Matthews.

Such loans of securities are collateralized with collateral assets in an amount at least equal to the current value of the loaned securities, plus accrued interest. There is a risk of delay in receiving collateral or recovering the securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially.

2. Repurchase Agreements

The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements to earn income. The Funds may also enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions that are deemed to be creditworthy by Matthews, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The repurchase price under the agreements equals the price paid by a Fund plus interest negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates (which may be more or less than the rate on the securities underlying the repurchase agreement). Repurchase agreements may be considered to be collateralized loans by the Funds under the 1940 Act.

Any collateral will be marked-to-market daily. If the seller of the underlying security under the repurchase agreement should default on its obligation to repurchase the underlying security, a Fund may experience delay or difficulty in exercising its right to realize upon the security and, in addition, may incur a loss if the value of the security should decline, as well as disposition costs in liquidating the security. A Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days. The Funds must treat each counterparty to a repurchase agreement as an issuer of a security for tax diversification purposes and not treat the agreement as cash, a cash equivalent or receivable.

The financial institutions with which the Matthews Asia Funds may enter into repurchase agreements are banks and non-bank dealers of U.S. government securities that are listed on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s list of reporting dealers and banks, if such banks and non-bank dealers are deemed creditworthy by Matthews. Matthews will continue to monitor the creditworthiness of the seller under a repurchase agreement, and will require the seller to maintain during the term of the agreement the value of the securities subject to the agreement at not less than the repurchase price. Funds will only enter into a repurchase agreement where the market value of the underlying security, including interest accrued, will be at all times equal to or exceed the value of the repurchase agreement.

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The Funds may invest in repurchase agreements with foreign parties, or in a repurchase agreement based on securities denominated in foreign currencies. Legal structures in foreign countries, including bankruptcy laws, may offer less protection to investors such as the Funds, and foreign repurchase agreements generally involve greater risks than a repurchase agreement in the United States.

3. Reverse Repurchase Agreements

A Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements to raise cash on a short-term basis. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by a Fund pursuant to its agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price, date and rate of interest. The repurchase price under the agreements equals the price paid by a counterparty plus interest negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates (which may be more or less than the rate on the securities underlying the repurchase agreement). Such agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act, and may be entered into only for temporary or emergency purposes. While reverse repurchase transactions are outstanding, each Fund will maintain in a segregated account an amount of cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid, high-grade debt securities at least equal to the market value of the securities, plus accrued interest, subject to the agreement. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Funds may decline below the price of the securities a Fund is obligated to repurchase. As described below, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Funds’ asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein.

4. Securities of Other Investment Companies

The Funds may invest in the securities of other investment companies and currently intend to limit their investments in securities issued by other investment companies so that, as determined immediately after a purchase of such securities is made: (i) not more than 5% of the value of any of the individual Fund’s total assets will be invested in the securities of any one investment company; (ii) not more than 10% of a Fund’s total assets will be invested in the aggregate in securities of investment companies as a group; and (iii) not more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company will be owned by the respective Fund.

As a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would bear along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Funds bear directly in connection with their own operations.

5. Illiquid Investments

Illiquid investments are investments that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. In October 2016, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted new rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Liquidity Rule”), which, among other things, requires that all registered open-end management investment companies, including the Funds, establish a written liquidity risk management program (a “Liquidity Program”). Under a fund’s Liquidity Program, a fund must assess, manage and periodically review the fund’s liquidity risk, classify the liquidity of each of the fund’s portfolio investments, determine a highly liquid investment minimum, limit illiquid investments to 15% of fund investments, and establish policies and procedures regarding how and when a fund will engage in redemptions in-kind. Consistent with the Liquidity Rule, the Board of Trustees has reviewed and approved the written Liquidity Program for the Funds and has designated Matthews to administer the Funds’ Liquidity Program. On an ongoing basis, the Board will review annual reports from Matthews, as the program administrator of the Funds’ Liquidity Program, on operations of the Funds’ Liquidity Program, its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, and any material changes made to the Funds’ Liquidity Program. Under certain circumstances such as when there is a shortfall in a Fund’s highly liquid investments below its established highly liquid investment minimum or when a Fund’s illiquid investment holdings exceed 15% of its net assets, certain remedial actions must be taken, which may include Board notification or review.

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Under the Liquidity Rule, each Fund may invest no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. A Fund may not be able to readily sell such investments. Such investments are unlike securities that are traded in the open market and that can be expected to be sold immediately. The sale price of a security that is not readily marketable may be lower or higher than a Fund’s most recent estimate of its fair value. Generally, less public information is available with respect to the issuers of illiquid investments than with respect to companies whose securities are traded on an exchange. Securities that are not readily marketable are more likely to be issued by a start-up, small or family business and therefore subject to greater economic, business and market risks than the listed securities of more well established companies.

6. Rule 144A Securities (Restricted Securities)

Securities which are not registered with the SEC pursuant to Rule 144A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), are only traded among institutional investors. These securities are sometimes called “Restricted Securities” because they are restricted from being sold to the general public because they are not registered with the SEC.

Some of these securities may also be illiquid because they cannot be reasonably expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing their market value. The 15% limit on illiquid securities discussed previously does not include any restricted securities that have been determined to be liquid under the Funds’ Liquidity Program.

7. Convertible Securities

Each Fund may purchase convertible securities. Convertible securities entitle the holder to exchange the securities for a specified number of shares of common stock, usually of the same company, at specified prices within a certain period of time. In addition, the owner of convertible securities often receives interest or dividends until the security is converted. The provisions of any convertible security determine its ranking in a company’s capital structure. In the case of subordinated convertible debentures, the holder’s claims on assets and earnings are subordinated to the claims of other creditors, and are senior to the claims of preferred and common shareholders. In the case of preferred stock and convertible preferred stock, the holder’s claims on assets and earnings are subordinated to the claims of all creditors but are senior to the claims of common shareholders.

To the extent that a convertible security’s investment value is greater than its conversion value, its price will be primarily a reflection of such investment value and its price will be likely to increase when interest rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise, as with a fixed-income security. If the conversion value exceeds the investment value, the price of the convertible security will rise above its investment value and, in addition, may sell at some premium over its conversion value. At such times the price of the convertible security will tend to fluctuate directly with the price of the underlying equity security.

8. Forward Commitments, When-Issued Securities and Delayed-Delivery Transactions

The Funds may purchase securities on a when-issued basis, or purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis or purchase securities on a delayed-delivery basis. The Funds will normally realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions. For purposes of determining the Funds’ average dollar-weighted maturity, the maturity of when-issued or forward commitment securities will be calculated from the commitment date.

When the Funds purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed-delivery or forward commitment basis, the Funds’ custodian will maintain in a segregated account: cash, U.S. government securities or other high-grade liquid debt obligations having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Funds’ purchase commitments. In the case of a forward commitment to sell portfolio securities, the custodian will hold the portfolio securities themselves in a segregated account while the commitment is outstanding. These procedures are designed to ensure that the Funds will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover their obligations under when-issued purchases, forward commitments and delayed-delivery transactions to the extent required under current regulatory requirements.

Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued, delayed-delivery or forward commitment basis involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date. Although the Funds would generally purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed-delivery or a forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities, the Funds may dispose of such securities prior to settlement if Matthews deems it appropriate to do so.

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9. Short-Selling

In markets where it is permitted to do so, the Funds may make short sales. A short sale occurs when a Fund borrows stock (usually from a broker) and promises to give it back at some date in the future and then sells the borrowed shares. If the market price of that stock goes down, the Fund buys the stock at a lower price so that it can pay back the broker for the stock borrowed. The difference between the prices of the stock when borrowed, and when later purchased, is a profit. The profit is reduced by a fee paid to the broker for borrowing the stock.

A Fund may incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security. The amount of any loss will be increased by the amount of any premium, dividends or interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. No securities will be sold short if, after effect is given to any such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would exceed 10% of the value of the Fund’s net assets. The Fund will place in a segregated account with its custodian bank an amount of cash or liquid securities equal to the difference between the current market value of the securities sold short and any cash or securities required to be deposited in a collateral account with the broker in connection with the short sale (excluding the proceeds of the short sale).

This segregated account will be marked-to-market daily, provided that at no time will the amount deposited in it, plus the collateral held for the broker (excluding the proceeds of the short sale), be less than the current market value of the securities sold short. As described below, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Funds’ asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein.

10. Interest Rate Futures Contracts

The Funds may enter into contracts for the future delivery of fixed-income securities commonly referred to as “interest rate futures contracts.” These futures contracts will be used only as a hedge against anticipated interest rate changes. A Fund will not enter into an interest rate futures contract if immediately thereafter more than 5% of the value of that Fund’s total assets will be committed to margin. The principal risks related to the use of such instruments are: (1) the offsetting correlation between movements in the market price of the portfolio investments being hedged and in the price of the futures contract or option may be imperfect; (2) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for closing out futures or option positions; (3) the need for additional portfolio management skills and techniques; and (4) losses due to unanticipated market price movements.

11. Futures Transactions

The Funds may engage in futures transactions for the purchase or sale for future delivery of securities. While futures contracts provide for the delivery of securities, deliveries usually do not occur. Contracts are generally terminated by entering into offsetting transactions or by making or receiving a cash payment. The Funds may invest in futures transactions for hedging purposes or to maintain liquidity. A Fund may not purchase or sell a futures contract, however, unless immediately after any such transaction the sum of the aggregate amount of margin deposits on its existing futures positions and the amount of premiums paid for related options is 10% or less of its total assets.

At maturity, a futures contract obligates the Funds to take or make delivery of certain securities or the cash value of a securities index. A Fund may sell a futures contract in order to offset a decrease in the market value of its portfolio securities that might otherwise result from a market decline. A Fund may do so either to hedge the value of its portfolio of securities as a whole, or to protect against declines, occurring prior to sales of securities, in the value of the securities to be sold. Conversely, a Fund may purchase a futures contract in anticipation of purchases of securities. In addition, a Fund may utilize futures contracts in anticipation of changes in the composition of its portfolio holdings.

The Funds may invest in certain commodity interests and engage in futures transactions as described in this SAI or a Prospectus on U.S. or foreign exchanges or boards of trade. In the U.S., futures exchanges, and trading are regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended (the “CEA”), by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), a U.S. government agency. The Funds will use futures contracts and options on futures contracts in accordance with the applicable rules of the CFTC under which Matthews avoids being deemed a “commodity pool operator” and a “commodity trading adviser.” Because of these plans, Matthews has claimed the applicable exemption under CFTC rules and is not registered or regulated as a commodity pool operator.

The Funds may enter into such futures transactions to protect against the adverse effects of fluctuations in security prices, or interest rates, without actually buying or selling the securities underlying the contract. A stock index futures contract obligates the seller to deliver (and the purchaser to take) an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount multiplied by the difference between the value of a specific stock index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement was made.

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With respect to options on futures contracts, when the Funds are temporarily not fully invested, they may purchase a call option on a futures contract to hedge against a market advance due to declining interest rates. The purchase of a call option on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call option on an individual security. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is based, or the price of the underlying debt securities, it may or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures contract or underlying debt securities.

The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against the declining price of the security or foreign currency which is deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. The writing of a put option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against the increasing price of the security or foreign currency which is deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract.

To the extent that market prices move in an unexpected direction, the Funds may not achieve the anticipated benefits of futures contracts or options on futures contracts or may realize a loss. Further, with respect to options on futures contracts, each Fund may seek to close out an option position by writing or buying an offsetting position covering the same securities or contracts and that have the same exercise price and expiration date. The ability to establish and close out positions on options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market, which cannot be assured.

The Funds may purchase and sell call and put options on futures contracts traded on an exchange or board of trade. When a Fund purchases an option on a futures contract, it has the right to assume a position as a purchaser or seller of a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time during the option period. When a Fund sells an option on a futures contract, it becomes obligated to purchase or sell a futures contract if the option is exercised. In anticipation of a market advance, the Funds may purchase call options on futures contracts as a substitute for the purchase of futures contracts to hedge against a possible increase in the price of securities which the Funds intend to purchase. Similarly, if the market is expected to decline, the Funds might purchase put options or sell call options on futures contracts rather than sell futures contracts. In connection with a Fund’s position in a futures contract or option thereon, the Funds will create a segregated account of liquid assets or will otherwise cover its position to the extent required by current regulatory requirements.

a. Restrictions on the Use of Futures Contracts

Each Fund may enter into futures contracts provided that such obligations (calculated on a net rather than a gross or notional basis) represent no more than 20% of the Fund’s net assets. Under the CEA, each Fund may invest in futures contracts, options on future contracts and certain swap agreements (i) for bona fide hedging purposes within the meaning of regulations under the CEA, or (ii) for other than bona fide hedging purposes if (1) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish such positions will not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of a Fund’s portfolio (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions) and that in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded from such 5%; or (2) the aggregate notional value of all non-hedge futures contracts including such contract (taken at market value at the time of entering that contract) does not exceed the liquidation value of the Fund’s portfolio (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). To the extent required by current regulatory requirements, the Fund will set aside cash and appropriate liquid assets in a segregated account to cover its obligations related to futures contracts. For futures contracts that provide for cash settlement rather than delivery of securities, to the extent segregation of assets is then required, the amount of assets a Fund will set aside or segregate would be based on the cash value needed to settle the position rather than the notional or reference value of the contract.

b. Risk Factors of Futures Transactions

The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts and options (commonly referred to as “derivatives”) are: (i) imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the securities held by the Funds and the price of futures contracts and options; (ii) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (iii) losses, which are potentially unlimited, due to unanticipated market movements; and (iv) Matthews’ ability to predict correctly the direction of security prices, interest rates and other economic factors.

c. Regulation of Futures Transactions and Other Derivatives

U.S. regulation of futures and other derivatives, including options and swaps (see “13. Options” and “14. Swaps” below), is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), signed into law in 2010, granted significant authority to the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) to impose comprehensive regulations on the over-the-counter and cleared derivatives markets. These regulations include, but are not limited to, mandatory clearing of certain derivatives and requirements relating to disclosure, margin and trade reporting. New regulations could adversely affect the value, availability and performance of certain derivative instruments, may make them more costly, and may limit or restrict their use by the Funds.

On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Derivatives Rule”) which, following an implementation period, will replace existing SEC and staff guidance with an updated, comprehensive framework for registered investment companies’ use of derivatives. Among other changes, the Derivatives Rule will require an investment company to trade derivatives and certain other instruments that create future payment or delivery obligations subject to a value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limit, develop and

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implement a derivatives risk management program and new testing requirements, and comply with new requirements related to board and SEC reporting. These new requirements will apply unless a Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” which the Derivatives Rule defines as a fund that limits its derivatives exposure to 10% of its net assets. Complying with the Derivatives Rule may increase the cost of the Funds’ investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. Other potentially adverse regulatory obligations can develop suddenly and without notice.

12. Foreign Currency Transactions

The Funds may engage in foreign currency transactions in connection with their investments in foreign securities. The Funds will conduct any foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.

A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are principally traded in the inter-bank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large, commercial banks) and their customers. The cost to a Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and because forward currency contracts are usually entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are charged at any stage for trades. However, dealers do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies.

When a Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, it may want to establish the U.S. dollar cost or proceeds, as the case may be. By entering into a forward contract in U.S. dollars for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in an underlying security transaction, a Fund is able to protect itself against a possible loss between trade and settlement dates resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and such foreign currency. However, this tends to limit potential gains that might result from a positive change in such currency relationships. The Funds may also (but are not required to) hedge their foreign currency exchange rate risk by engaging in currency financial futures and options transactions.

Each Fund may enter into a forward contract to sell a different foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount where Matthews believes that the U.S. dollar value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the forward contract will fall whenever there is a decline in the U.S. dollar value of the currency in which portfolio securities of the Funds are denominated (“cross-hedge”). The precise matching of forward currency contracts amounts and the value of the securities involved generally will not be possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign currency, will change after the foreign currency contract has been established. Thus, the Funds might need to purchase or sell foreign currencies in the spot (cash) market to the extent such foreign currencies are not covered by forward contracts. The forecasting of short-term currency market movement is extremely difficult and whether such a short-term hedging strategy will be successful is highly uncertain. The Funds may also enter into forward contracts to sell foreign currency with respect to portfolio positions denominated or quoted in that currency.

When a Fund enters into a forward currency contract, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction. Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, with the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty. Thus, there can be no assurance that a Fund will in fact be able to close out a forward currency contract at a favorable price prior to maturity. In addition, in the event of insolvency of the counterparty, a Fund might be unable to close out a forward currency contract at any time prior to maturity. In either event, the Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position, and would continue to be required to maintain a position in securities denominated in the foreign currency or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated account.

To the extent required under current regulatory requirements, each Fund will segregate liquid assets that will be marked-to-market daily to meet its forward contract commitments to the extent required by the SEC. If the contract provides for cash settlement rather than delivery of the stated or notional amount of foreign currency, then the Fund would segregate liquid assets based on the cash value needed to settle the position.

Each Fund may enter into forward currency contracts or maintain a net exposure to such contracts only if (i) the consummation of the contracts would not obligate the Funds to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of its portfolio securities or other assets denominated in that currency, or (ii) the Fund maintains cash or liquid securities in a segregated account in an amount not less than the value of its total assets committed to the consummation of the contract and not covered as provided in (i) above, as marked-to-market daily.

Each Fund may also (but is not required to) use options and futures on foreign currencies, in addition to forward currency contracts, to hedge against movements in the values of the foreign currencies in which the Fund’s securities are denominated. Such currency hedges can protect against price movements

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in a security the Fund owns or intends to acquire that are attributable to changes in the value of the currency in which it is denominated. While hedging may limit the potential loss to a Fund from adverse currency movements, Matthews’ ability to anticipate changes in the price of foreign currencies is limited and any hedging may limit the potential gain from positive currency movements or otherwise result in losses. Such hedges do not protect against price movements in the securities that are attributable to other causes.

The value of hedging instruments on foreign currencies depends on the value of the underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the inter-bank market might involve substantially larger amounts than those involved in the use of such hedging instruments, the Funds could be disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.

The Funds might seek to hedge against changes in the value of a particular currency when no hedging instruments on that currency are available or such hedging instruments are more expensive than certain other hedging instruments. In such cases, the Funds may hedge against price movements in that currency by entering into transactions using hedging instruments on other currencies, the values of which Matthews believes will have a high degree of positive correlation to the value of the currency being hedged. The risk that movements in the price of the hedging instrument will not correlate perfectly with movements in the price of the currency being hedged is magnified when this strategy is used.

Settlement of hedging transactions involving foreign currencies might be required to take place within the country issuing the underlying currency. Thus, the Funds might be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying foreign currency in accordance with U.S. or foreign regulations regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and might be required to pay fees, taxes and charges associated with such delivery assessed in the issuing country.

13. Options

Each Fund may buy put and call options and write covered call and secured put options. Such options may relate to particular securities, stock indices or financial instruments and may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange and issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options also may be used to take either a long or short position on a securities index or an exchange traded fund (an “ETF”) related to a securities index. Options trading is a highly specialized activity which entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options on particular securities may be more volatile than the underlying securities, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying securities themselves. In addition to the obligation to pay a premium, or the ability to receive a premium, for options transactions as described below, a Fund may also be required to deposit variation margin on an on-going basis depending on changes in the market value of the transaction.

a. Writing Call Options

Each Fund may write covered call options from time to time on portions of its portfolio, without limit, as Matthews determines is appropriate in pursuing that Fund’s investment goals. The advantage to a Fund of writing covered calls is that the Fund receives a premium which is additional income. However, if the security rises in value, the Fund may not fully participate in the market appreciation.

The Funds will write call options only if they are “covered.” In the case of a call option on a security, the option is “covered” if a Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, liquid assets in such amount held in a segregated account by its custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held by it. As described above, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Funds’ asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein.

For a call option on an index, the option is covered if a Fund maintains with its custodian a diversified stock portfolio, or liquid assets equal to the contract value. A call option is also covered if a Fund holds a call on the same security or index as the call written. Here the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written; or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written provided the difference is maintained by a Fund in liquid assets in a segregated account with its custodian.

A Fund’s obligation under a covered call option is terminated upon the expiration of the option or upon entering a closing purchase transaction. In a closing purchase transaction, a Fund, as writer of an option, terminates its obligation by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written.

Closing purchase transactions will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or to enable a Fund to write another call option on the underlying security with either a different exercise price or expiration date or both. The Funds may realize a net gain or loss from a

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closing purchase transaction depending upon whether the net amount of the original premium received on the call option is more or less than the cost of effecting the closing purchase transaction. Any loss incurred in a closing purchase transaction may be partially or entirely offset by the premium received from a sale of a different call option on the same underlying security. Such a loss may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation in the market value of the underlying security. Conversely, a gain resulting from a closing purchase transaction could be offset in whole or in part by a decline in the market value of the underlying security.

During the option period, a covered call option writer may be assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer through whom such call option was sold, requiring the writer to deliver the underlying security against payment of the exercise price. A closing purchase transaction cannot be effected with respect to an option once the option writer has received an exercise notice for such option.

b. Writing Put Options

Each Fund may write put options. The Funds will write put options only if they are “secured” at all times by liquid assets maintained in a segregated account by the Funds’ custodian in an amount not less than the exercise price of the option at all times during the option period. Secured put options will generally be written in circumstances where Matthews wishes to purchase the underlying security for a Fund’s portfolio at a price lower than the current market price of the security. With regard to the writing of put options, a Fund will limit the aggregate value of the obligations underlying such put options to 50% of its total net assets.

Following the writing of a put option, a Fund may wish to terminate the obligation to buy the security underlying the option by effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by buying an option of the same series as the option previously written. A Fund may not, however, effect such a closing transaction after it has been notified of the exercise of the option.

c. Purchasing Call Options

Each Fund may purchase call options to the extent that premiums paid by that Fund do not aggregate more than 10% of its total assets. When a Fund purchases a call option, in return for a premium paid by the Fund to the writer of the option, the Fund obtains the right to buy the security underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of the call option, who receives the premium upon writing the option, has the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to deliver the underlying security against payment of the exercise price. The advantage of purchasing call options is that the Fund may alter portfolio characteristics and modify portfolio maturities without incurring the cost associated with such transactions.

The Funds may, following the purchase of a call option, liquidate their position by effecting a closing sale transaction. This is accomplished by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased. The Funds will realize a profit from a closing sale transaction if the price received on the transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the original call option; the Funds will realize a loss from a closing sale transaction if the price received on the transaction is less than the premium paid to purchase the original call option.

Although the Funds will generally purchase only those call options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange may exist. In such event, it may not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, with the result that the Funds would have to exercise their options in order to realize any profit and would incur brokerage commissions upon the exercise of such options and upon the subsequent disposition of the underlying securities acquired through the exercise of such options. Further, unless the price of the underlying security changes sufficiently, a call option purchased by the Funds may expire without any value to the Funds, in which event the Funds would realize a capital loss which will be short-term unless the option was held for more than one year.

d. Purchasing Put Options

Each Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the purchase of put options. Each Fund will, at all times during which it holds a put option, own the security covered by such option. The purchase of the put option on substantially identical securities held will constitute a short sale for tax purposes, the effect of which is to create a short-term capital gain on the sale of the security and to suspend running of its holding period (and treat it as commencing on the date of the closing of the short sale) or that of a security acquired to cover the same if at the time the put was acquired, the security had not been held for more than one year.

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A put option purchased by a Fund gives it the right to sell one of its securities for an agreed price up to an agreed date. Each Fund may purchase put options (i) in order to protect against a decline in the market value of the underlying security below the exercise price less the premium paid for the option (“protective puts”); and (ii) for other reasons. A Fund may sell a put option that it had previously purchased prior to the sale of the securities underlying such option. Such sale will result in a net gain or loss depending on whether the amount received on the sale is more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the put option which is sold.

The Funds may sell a put option purchased on individual portfolio securities. Additionally, the Funds may enter into closing sale transactions. A closing sale transaction is one in which a Fund, when it is the holder of an outstanding option, liquidates its position by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased.

14. Swaps

The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may enter into various swap agreements, including (but not limited to) credit default, interest rate, total return, index and currency exchange rate swap agreements. These transactions attempt to obtain a particular return when it is considered desirable to do so, possibly at a lower cost to the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund than if it had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return. The swaps that these Funds use often will be swap agreements that are not centrally cleared and traded. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard over-the-counter or uncleared “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap”; interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified rate, or “floor”; and interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels. Interest rate swaps can also effectively swap exposure to a fixed interest rate for exposure to a floating interest rate, or the reverse of that.

Most swap agreements entered into by the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund will calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the maintenance of a designated account consisting of assets determined to be liquid by Matthews in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees, to avoid any potential leveraging of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s portfolio. Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be characterized as “senior securities” for purposes of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s investment restriction concerning senior securities, based on current interpretive guidance from the staff of the SEC. As described above, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that will rescind and withdraw the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and coverage transactions reflected in the Funds’ asset segregation and cover practices discussed herein. Swap agreements are subject to the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s overall limit that no more than 15% of net assets may be invested in illiquid securities, although a swap agreement may be deemed to be liquid pursuant to policies approved by the Board of Trustees. The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund will not enter into a swap agreement with any single party if the net amount owed or to be received under existing contracts with that party would exceed 5% of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s assets at time of purchase. The limits on the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s investments in futures contracts as described in item 11 above may also have the effect of limiting the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s investments in certain swap agreements. The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund do not currently write any credit default swaps. In early 2012, the CFTC adopted a final rule that limits the Funds’ ability to use certain derivatives, including interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and options or swaptions,

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in reliance on certain CFTC exemptions. If a Fund could not satisfy the requirements for that amended exemption, the investment strategy, disclosure and operations of the Fund would need to be modified to the extent needed to comply with all applicable regulations governing commodity pools.

Whether the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s use of swap agreements will be successful in furthering their investment objectives will depend on Matthews’ ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid. Whether a particular swap is liquid is assessed on a case by case basis under guidelines and standards established by the Board of Trustees. Moreover, the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under an uncleared swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund will enter into uncleared swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness (generally, such counterparties would have to be eligible counterparties under the terms of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s repurchase agreement guidelines). Certain restrictions imposed on the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund by the Code may limit the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s ability to use swap agreements. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements. There can be no assurance that the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund’s or Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund’s use of swap agreements will assist them in meeting their investment objectives.

15. Real Estate Investment Trusts

Certain of the Funds may make debt or equity investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), which are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in income-producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests (such as mortgages). The real estate properties in which REITs invest typically include properties such as office buildings, retail and industrial facilities, hotels, apartment buildings and healthcare facilities. The yields available from equity investments in REITs depend on the amount of income and capital appreciation generated by the related properties. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with real estate investments generally, including economic downturns that have an adverse effect on real estate markets. A REIT may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by such REIT or by the quality of any credit extended by the REIT. Like regulated investment companies, REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with several requirements of the Code. The affairs of REITs are managed by the REIT’s sponsor and, as such, the performance of the REIT is dependent on the management skills of the REIT’s sponsor. REITs are not diversified (except to the extent the Code requires), and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are also subject to interest rate risks. If a Fund makes an equity investment in a REIT, a Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses paid by the REIT in addition to the expenses of the Fund. REITs are subject to the risk of default by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility that the REIT may fail to qualify for the exemption from tax for distributed income under the Code.

16. Risks Associated With Investing In China A Shares

China A Share Market Risk

Investments in China and more specifically, investments in securities of the Chinese domestic securities market listed and traded on China’s domestic stock exchanges (including China A Shares) are currently subject to certain additional risks. Purchase and ownership of China A Shares is generally restricted to Chinese investors and may only be accessible to foreign investors under certain regulatory frameworks as described herein. China A Shares may only be bought from, or sold to, a Fund from time to time where the relevant China A Shares may be sold or purchased on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (“SSE”) or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (“SZSE”), as appropriate. The existence of a liquid trading market for China A Shares may depend on whether there is supply of, and demand for, China A Shares. Investors should note that the SSE and SZSE on which China A Shares are traded (collectively, the “China A Shares Markets”) are undergoing development and the market capitalization of, and trading volumes on, those exchanges may be lower than those in more developed financial markets. Market volatility and settlement difficulties in the China A Shares Markets may result in significant fluctuation in the prices of the securities traded on such markets and thereby changes in the Net Asset Value of a Fund. The China A Shares Markets are considered volatile and unstable under certain circumstances (with the risk of suspension of a particular stock or government intervention).

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China QFI Investment Risk

Part of the assets of certain Funds may be invested in China A Shares through the use of a Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) license. Under the prevailing regulations in China, foreign investors can invest in China A Shares and other permissible investments pursuant to the applicable QFI rules and regulations (“QFI Eligible Securities”) through institutions that have obtained QFI Status in China. The Funds themselves are not QFIs, but may invest directly in QFI Eligible Securities via the QFI Status of an entity having QFI Status. Matthews has been granted QFI Status through which a Fund will be able to invest in QFI Eligible Securities.

A Fund’s ability to make the relevant investment to fully implement or pursue its investment objective or strategy is subject to the applicable laws, rules and regulations (including restrictions on investments and repatriation of principal and profits) in China, which are subject to change and such change may have potential retrospective effect.

There are rules and restrictions under current QFI regulations including rules on remittance of principal, investment restrictions, lock-up periods, and repatriation of principal and profits. Due to Chinese legal requirements on repatriation of assets, proceeds from sales of China A Shares cannot be immediately received by a Fund.

The QFI Status of Matthews could be revoked, in particular because of material violations of rules and regulations by Matthews. If Matthews loses its QFI Status, the Funds may not be able to invest directly in QFI Eligible Securities and may be required to dispose of their holdings, which would likely have a material adverse effect on the Funds.

As the QFI, Matthews is responsible for ensuring that all transactions and dealings by a Fund in China A Shares will comply with the Fund’s investment policies as well as the relevant laws and regulations applicable to Matthews as QFI. If any conflicts of interest arise, Matthews will seek to ensure that each Fund is managed in the best interests of the shareholders of that Fund.

In extreme circumstances, a Fund may incur significant loss if the approval of Matthews as QFI is revoked/terminated or otherwise invalidated as the Fund may be prohibited from trading of relevant securities and repatriating of the Fund’s monies, or if any of the key operators or parties (including the QFI custodian/brokers) is bankrupt/in default and/or is disqualified from performing its obligations (including execution or settlement of any transaction or transfer of monies or securities).

Risks Associated with Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect

A Fund may invest and have direct access to certain eligible China A Shares via the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and/or the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect (each a “Stock Connect,” and together, the “Stock Connects”) upon approval by the relevant regulatory authority. The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect is a securities trading and clearing linked program developed by

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Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (“HKEx”), SSE and China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited (“ChinaClear”). The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect is a securities trading and clearing linked program developed by HKEx, SZSE and ChinaClear. The aim of each Stock Connect is to achieve mutual stock market access between mainland China and Hong Kong.

Under both Stock Connects, overseas investors (including the Funds) may be allowed, subject to rules and regulations issued and amended from time to time, to trade certain China A Shares listed on either the SSE or SZSE through the relevant “Northbound Trading Link.” At this time, the China A Shares available via the Northbound Trading Link of Stock Connects include (i) all constituent stocks of the SSE 180 Index and the SSE 380 Index, (ii) all constituent stocks of the SZSE Component Index and the SZSE Small/Mid Cap Innovation Index which have a market capitalization of not less than RMB 6 billion, and (iii) all the SSE-listed or SZSE-listed China A Shares that have corresponding H Shares listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. SSE-listed or SZSE-listed China A Shares which are (i) not traded in RMB or (ii) under risk alert or delisting arrangement will be excluded under the Stock Connects.

Hong Kong and overseas investors (including the Funds) may only trade and settle SSE securities and SZSE securities in RMB.

Further information about the Stock Connects is available online at the website: https://www.hkex.com.hk/mutual-market/stock-connect.

Each of the Stock Connects is subject to a daily quota. If the daily quota is exceeded, further buy orders will be rejected. The daily quota is not particular to either the Funds or Matthews; instead, it applies to all market participants generally. Thus, Matthews will not be able to control the use or availability of the quota. If Matthews is unable to purchase additional Stock Connect securities, it may affect Matthews’ ability to implement the Funds’ respective investment strategies.

The SEHK, SZSE and SSE reserve the right to suspend trading if necessary for ensuring an orderly and fair market and managing risks prudently which could adversely affect the relevant Funds’ ability to access the mainland China market.

The Stock Connects only operate on days when both the mainland China and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banks in both markets are open on the corresponding settlement days. It is possible that there are occasions when it is a normal trading day for the mainland China market but Hong Kong and overseas investors (such as the Funds) cannot carry out any China A Shares trading because it is not a day when the Hong Kong market is open for trading. The Funds may be subject to the risk of price fluctuations in China A Shares during the time when the Stock Connects are not trading as a result.

The Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HKEx (“HKSCC”) and ChinaClear establish the clearing links and each is a participant of the other to facilitate clearing and settlement of cross-boundary trades. As the national central counterparty of China’s securities market, ChinaClear operates a comprehensive network of clearing, settlement and stock holding infrastructure. ChinaClear has established a risk management framework and measures that are approved and supervised by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”). The chances of a default by ChinaClear are considered to be remote.

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Should the remote event of a ChinaClear default occur and ChinaClear be declared as a defaulter, HKSCC will in good faith, seek recovery of the outstanding stocks and monies from ChinaClear through available legal channels or through ChinaClear’s liquidation. In that event, the relevant Fund(s) may suffer delay in the recovery process or may not be able to fully recover its losses from ChinaClear.

The China A Shares traded through the Stock Connects are issued without stock certificates in scripless form, so investors such as the Funds will not hold any physical China A Shares. Hong Kong and overseas investors, such as a Fund, who have acquired SSE Securities and/or SZSE Securities through the Stock Connects, should maintain the SSE Securities and/or SZSE Securities with their brokers’ or custodians’ stock accounts with the Central Clearing and Settlement System operated by HKSCC for the clearing securities listed or traded on SEHK.

The Stock Connects are premised on the functioning of the operational systems of the relevant market participants. Market participants are able to participate in this program subject to meeting certain information technology capability, risk management and other requirements as may be specified by the relevant exchange and/or clearing house.

It should be appreciated that the securities regimes and legal systems of the two markets differ significantly and market participants may need to address issues arising from the differences on an ongoing basis.

There is no assurance that the systems of the SEHK and market participants will function properly or will continue to be adapted to changes and developments in both markets. In the event that the relevant systems failed to function properly, trading in both markets through the program could be disrupted. A Fund’s ability to access the China A Shares Market (and hence to pursue its investment strategy) will be adversely affected.

A stock may be recalled from the scope of eligible SSE Securities or SZSE Securities for trading via the Stock Connects for various reasons, and in such event the stock can only be sold but is restricted from being bought. Matthews’ ability to implement a Fund’s investment strategies may be adversely affected.

HKSCC is the “nominee holder” of the securities acquired by overseas investors (including the relevant Funds) through the Stock Connects. The CSRC Stock Connect rules expressly provided that investors enjoy the rights and benefits of the securities acquired through the Stock Connects in accordance with applicable laws. However, how a beneficial owner of the relevant securities exercises and enforces its rights over such securities in the courts in China is yet to be tested. Even if the concept of beneficial ownership is recognized under Chinese law those securities may form part of the pool of assets of such nominee holder available for distribution to creditors of such nominee holder and/or that a beneficial owner may have no rights whatsoever in respect thereof. Consequently, a Fund and the Depositary cannot ensure that the Funds’ ownership of these securities or title thereto is assured in all circumstances. Under the rules of the Central Clearing and Settlement System operated by HKSCC for the clearing of securities listed or traded on SEHK, HKSCC as nominee holder shall have no obligation to take any legal action or court proceeding to enforce any rights on behalf of the investors in respect of the SSE securities and/or SZSE securities in China or elsewhere. Therefore, although the relevant Funds’ ownership may be ultimately recognized, that Fund may suffer difficulties or delays in enforcing its rights in China.

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To the extent that HKSCC is deemed to be performing safekeeping functions with respect to assets held through it, the Depositary and the Fund will have no legal relationship with HKSCC and no direct legal recourse against HKSCC in the event that the Fund suffers losses resulting from the performance or insolvency of HKSCC.

Since one or more Funds carry out Northbound trading through securities brokers in Hong Kong but not securities brokers in mainland China, investors are not protected by the China Securities Investor Protection Fund in China. However, investments of a Fund through Northbound trading under the Stock Connects will be covered by Hong Kong’s Investor Compensation Fund. Hong Kong’s Investor Compensation Fund is established to pay compensation to investors of any nationality who suffer pecuniary losses as a result of default of a licensed intermediary or authorized financial institution in relation to exchange-traded products in Hong Kong.

In addition to paying trading fees and stamp duties in connection with trading China A Shares, a Fund may be subject to other fees and taxes arising from stock transfers which are determined by the relevant authorities.

Stock Connects are subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities and implementation rules made by the stock exchanges in mainland China and Hong Kong. Further, new regulations may be promulgated from time to time by the regulators in connection with operations and cross-border legal enforcement in connection with cross-border trades under the Stock Connects.

The relevant rules and regulations are untested so far and there is no certainty as to how they will be applied. Moreover, the rules and regulations are subject to change which may have potential retrospective effect. There can be no assurance that the Stock Connects will not be abolished. The relevant Funds that may invest in mainland China markets through the Stock Connects may be adversely affected as a result of such changes.

Via Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, the Funds may access securities listed on the Small and Medium Enterprise (“SME”) board and the ChiNext market of the SZSE. Listed companies on the SME board and/or the ChiNext market are usually of an emerging nature with smaller operating scale. They are subject to higher fluctuation in stock prices and liquidity and have higher risks and turnover ratios than companies listed on the main board of the SZSE. Securities listed on the SME board and/or ChiNext may be overvalued and such exceptionally high valuation may not be sustainable. Stock price may be more susceptible to manipulation due to fewer circulating shares. It may be more common and faster for companies listed on the SME board and/or ChiNext to delist. This may have an adverse impact on the Funds if the companies that they invest in are delisted. Also, the rules and regulations regarding companies listed on ChiNext market are less stringent in terms of profitability and share capital than those on the main board and SME board. Investments in the SME board and/or ChiNext market may result in significant losses for the Funds and their investors.

17. Responsible Investing (a principal investment strategy for the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund)

In addition to traditional financial data, the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund takes into consideration its ESG standards that help identify companies that Matthews believes contribute (or have to potential to contribute) to a sustainable future by addressing global environmental and social challenges.

There are no universally agreed upon objective standards for assessing ESG standards for companies. Rather, the Fund’s standards tend to have many subjective characteristics, can be difficult to analyze, and frequently involve a balancing of a company’s business plans,

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objectives, actual conduct and other factors. The Fund’s ESG standards can vary over different periods, can evolve over time and tend to be stated broadly and applied flexibly. They may also be difficult to apply consistently across regions, countries, industries or sectors. In some cases, Matthews will consider an investment to be eligible for the Fund where a company has expressed a goal or objective and has started to take actions that, if successful, would satisfy the Fund’s ESG standards in the judgment of Matthews. In addition, investors and others may disagree as to whether a certain company satisfies the Fund’s ESG standards given the absence of generally accepted criteria.

The Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund’s ESG standards will be used to help identify companies that are contributing (or have the potential to contribute) to positive outcomes in environmental, social and governance focus areas including, for example, climate change mitigation and adaptation, clean environment (such as pollution alleviation), sustainable production and consumption (such as energy efficiency), health and well-being (such as food security), human capital developments (such as training and equality), sustainable and inclusive development, or corporate governance practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to the integration of the Fund’s ESG standards. Matthews will also employ a negative screening process using data and ratings from various third-party data providers and Matthews’ own internal analysis to exclude, in the ultimate determination of Matthews, companies that Matthews believes do not meet the Fund’s ESG standards. Matthews will use any one or more of the Fund’s following key ESG standards to evaluate potential investments: whether the issuer has adopted and followed (i) sustainable environmental practices, responsible resource management and energy efficiency practices, (ii) policies related to social responsibility, employee welfare, diversity and inclusion, or (iii) sound governance practices that align interests of shareholders and management and demonstrate a commitment to the integration of sustainability or ESG considerations.

Businesses that meet one or more of the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund’s ESG standards are generally businesses that currently engage in practices or have business goals or objectives that, in the judgment of Matthews, if continue to be followed or if successfully implemented would make human or business activity less destructive to the environment, or become businesses that promote positive social and economic developments. Matthews believes that such companies can have cost advantages, quality improvements and improved profitability as a result of their sustainable business practices. Such companies may also gain increased consumer and employee loyalty as a result of growing preferences for environmentally and socially sustainable practices and may be less likely to be involved in lawsuits or governmental actions for regulatory violations. There can be no guarantee that a company that Matthews believes meets one or more of the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund’s ESG standards will actually conduct its affairs in a manner that is less destructive to the environment, or that promotes positive social and economic developments. Matthews uses various sources of information, including but not limited to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), primary research, and third-party data sources such as negative news monitoring services and ESG data and research providers, in analyzing whether a company satisfies the Fund’s ESG standards. However, Matthews ultimately determines, based on its own analysis, whether a company satisfies those standards and is eligible for investment by the Fund.

Matthews uses strategic engagement and shareholder advocacy to encourage positive changes in sustainability and ESG matters at its portfolio companies. For example, Matthews may engage in active dialogues with company management regarding sustainability matters. Matthews will encourage better sustainability and ESG disclosures, through such active dialogues, shareholder proposals or other means. Matthews will also be able to express its views on ESG issues through proxy voting, which will be voted according to these ESG standards, at shareholder meetings of its portfolio companies.

18. STAR Market and Its Associated Risks

The Funds may invest in the stocks listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (“STAR Market”), by either participating in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) of companies to be listed on the STAR Market, or purchasing stocks that have been listed on the STAR Market. Funds that invest in the STAR Market may be exposed to the risk factors described under “Risks Associated with China.” In addition, the Funds may be exposed to the risk factors further described below.

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Therefore, there could be a relatively high degree of correlation among many stocks listed on the STAR Market. A market downturn may lead to significant systematic correlation risk, which is a risk that the price fluctuation of a security may occur in conjunction with price fluctuations of all correlated securities.

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Funds’ Policies

The policies set forth below are fundamental and may not be changed as to a Fund without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of that Fund. A majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund means the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting of shareholders, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund. Unless otherwise indicated, all percentage limitations listed below apply to the Funds and apply only at the time of the transaction. Accordingly, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later increase or decrease in the percentage which results from a relative change in values or from a change in a Fund’s total assets will not be considered a violation.

Except as otherwise set forth herein and in the Prospectus, each Fund may not:

1. Issue senior securities;

2. Borrow money, except that each Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements for temporary purposes in amounts up to one-third of the value of its total assets at the time of such borrowing; or mortgage, pledge, or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and in amounts not in excess of the lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 10% of the value of the total assets of the Fund at the time of its borrowing. All borrowing will be done from a bank and asset coverage of at least 300% is required. A Fund will not purchase securities when borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund’s total net assets;

3. Act as an underwriter of securities, except that, in connection with the disposition of a security, a Fund may be deemed to be an “underwriter” as that term is defined in the 1933 Act;

4. Purchase the securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if immediately after such purchase the value of a Fund’s investments in such industry would exceed 25% of the value of the total assets of the Fund. This policy does not apply to Matthews Asia Innovators Fund, which concentrates its investments in the science and technology industries;

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5. Purchase or sell real estate, real estate limited partnership interests, interests in oil, gas and/or mineral exploration or development programs or leases. This restriction shall not prevent the Funds from investing directly or indirectly in portfolio instruments secured by real estate or interests therein or acquiring securities of real estate investment trusts or other issuers that deal in real estate;

6. Make loans, except that this restriction shall not prohibit (a) the purchase and holding of debt instruments in accordance with a Fund’s investment objectives and policies, (b) the lending of portfolio securities, or (c) entry into repurchase agreements with banks or broker-dealers;

7. Change its diversification status under the 1940 Act;

8. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that a Fund may purchase or sell currencies, may enter into futures contracts on securities, currencies, or on indexes of such securities or currencies, or any other financial instruments, and may purchase or sell options on such futures contracts;

9. Make investments in securities for the purpose of exercising control;

10. Purchase the securities of any one issuer if, immediately after such purchase, the Fund would own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. This policy does not apply to the Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies, Matthews China Small Companies, or Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Funds; or

11. Invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of companies less than three years old. Such three-year period shall include the operation of any predecessor company or companies. This policy does not apply to the Matthews Asia Dividend, Matthews China Dividend, Matthews India, Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies, Matthews China Small Companies, Matthews Asia Total Return Bond, Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities, or Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Funds.

With respect to policy number 2 related to the restriction on purchasing securities when borrowings exceed 5% of a Fund’s total net assets, the Trust excludes from the amount of a Fund’s outstanding borrowings the amount of proceeds that are expected to be received from the settlement of securities transactions that are in process and that are intended or designated for repayment of outstanding borrowings.

For purposes of policy number 4 above, the meaning of science and technology industries is provided in the Prospectus for the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund. Also for purposes of policy number 4, Matthews will, on behalf of each Fund, make reasonable determinations as to the appropriate industry classification to assign to each issuer of securities in which the Fund invests. As a general matter, an “industry” is considered to be a group of companies whose principal activities, products or services offered give them a similar economic risk profile vis à vis issuers active in other industries. The definition of what constitutes a particular “industry” is therefore an evolving one, particularly for issuers in industries or sectors within industries that are new or are undergoing rapid development. Some issuers could reasonably fall within more than one industry category. For example, some companies that sell goods over the internet (including issuers of securities in which a Fund may invest) were initially classified as internet companies, but over time have evolved into the economic risk profiles of retail companies. Each Fund may also rely on third-party classification codes such as those provided by the U.S. Government (known as “SIC”), MSCI or GICS, Bloomberg, and FactSet.

Temporary Defensive Position

To the extent practicable and in light of economic and market conditions and a Fund’s cash needs, Matthews intends to be fully invested in the markets appropriate to each Fund’s investment objectives. When, in the opinion of Matthews, a temporary defensive position is warranted, the Funds are permitted to hold cash or invest temporarily and without limitation in U.S. government securities or money market instruments backed by U.S. government securities. The Funds’ investment objectives may not be achieved at such times when a temporary defensive position is taken.

Portfolio Turnover

Matthews buys and sells securities for the Funds whenever it believes it is appropriate to do so. The rate of portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor in making portfolio decisions. It is currently estimated that under normal circumstances the annual portfolio turnover rate for certain Funds will not exceed 100%. High portfolio turnover rates will generally result in higher transaction costs to a

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Fund and also may result in a higher level of taxable gain for a shareholder. Portfolio turnover for the most recent fiscal periods of the Funds are set forth in the “FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS” tables in the Prospectus. Portfolio turnover rates may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year.

The following Fund experienced significant variations in its portfolio turnover rates over the most recent two fiscal years.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the portfolio turnover rate for the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund increased to 220% as compared to 120% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. This increase was due principally to changes in the portfolio allocations in anticipation of (i) regulatory reforms including potential delisting of ADRs in the U.S. and changing regulatory environment predominantly in China, and (ii) changing economic conditions related to the post vaccine economic and societal re-openings.

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

In accordance with the Funds’ policies and procedures (the “Policies”), the Funds’ transfer agent, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (“BNY Mellon”), is responsible for dissemination of information about the Funds’ portfolio holdings. The Funds, together with BNY Mellon and Matthews (the “Service Providers”), may disclose information concerning securities held in the Funds’ portfolios under the following circumstances:

(i) The Funds will send shareholders portfolio holdings in the Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports, which are mailed to shareholders and posted on the Funds’ website.

(ii) The Funds may release top ten holdings on a monthly basis via the Funds’ website and/or written communication generally within 10 days of month end.

(iii) For Matthews Asia Dividend Fund, Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund, Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund, Matthews India Fund and Matthews Japan Fund, preliminary holdings may be released on a quarterly basis 30 days after quarter end, and final holdings may be released on a quarterly basis 60 days after quarter end, via the Funds’ website and/or written communication. For the remaining Funds, preliminary holdings may be released on a monthly basis 30 days after month end, and final holdings may be released on a monthly basis 60 days after month end, via the Funds’ website and/or written communication.

(iv) BNY Mellon may send portfolio holdings to nationally recognized rating agencies via electronic transmission on a monthly or other periodic basis as requested.

(v) The Funds and the Service Providers may disclose the Funds’ portfolio security holdings in advance of general release and without delay to parties with which the Funds have ongoing arrangements to make this information available. Those parties receive such disclosure in connection with their day-to-day operations and management of the Funds and include the Funds’ custodian bank, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.; Fund accountant, The Bank of New York Mellon; independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; pricing service providers, ICE Data Services and Thomson Reuters; financial printer, Donnelley Financial Solutions; legal counsel, Paul Hastings LLP and Sullivan & Worcester LLP; and proxy voting services. The Funds also may disclose their portfolio security holdings to third parties in connection with their on-going efforts to analyze their trading activity, and in connection with their periodic reviews of the performance of existing fund agents and advisors or the retention of new agents and advisors. Specifically, these parties include Bloomberg Finance L.P., FactSet Research Systems Inc., Investment Company Institute, and ACA Compliance Group. Neither the Funds nor Matthews receive any compensation or other consideration in connection with any of these disclosure arrangements.

(vi) The Funds may disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings on a confidential basis to other selected third parties only with the prior consent of a member of Matthews’ Compliance Department who is Director level or above (“Compliance”) and when the Funds have a legitimate business purpose for doing so. Examples of legitimate business purposes in which selective disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio securities may be appropriate include disclosure for due diligence purposes to an investment advisor that is in merger or acquisition talks with Matthews; disclosure to a newly hired investment advisor or sub-advisor prior to them commencing their duties; and disclosure to a rating or ranking organization. Currently the Funds have no such disclosure arrangements in place. In accordance with the Policies, third parties are required to keep confidential any information disclosed to them in accordance with the terms and conditions in non-disclosure agreements and/or confidential agreements, and no compensation may be received by the Funds, a Service Provider or any affiliate in connection with disclosure of such information. Such selected disclosure of portfolio holdings will be reported to the Board of Trustees at its next regular meeting, and such report should state the business purpose of the disclosure.

(vii) As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Funds will disclose their portfolio holdings in their applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, Form N-PORT, Form N-CSR or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

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Certain separate client accounts and other pooled investment vehicles (such as those organized in foreign jurisdictions) managed by Matthews or its affiliates (such separate client accounts and other pooled investment vehicles collectively, “Other Matthews Accounts”) may have investment objectives and strategies that are substantially similar to those of the Funds, and holdings of Other Matthews Accounts, which may be similar or identical to a Fund’s holdings, may be disclosed to clients of Other Matthews Accounts or others before the disclosure of the Fund’s holdings in accordance with the Policies. As a result, it is possible that those clients or others may use such information for their own benefit, which could negatively impact the Fund’s execution of purchase and sale transactions for portfolio investments.

The Policies may not be waived, or exception made, without the prior written consent of Compliance. Compliance may not waive or make exception to the Policies unless such waiver or exception is in furtherance of a legitimate business purpose and Compliance believes that there is no inherent conflict in doing so. In determining whether to permit a waiver of or exception to the Policies, Compliance will consider the purpose of the proposed disclosure, whether the proposed disclosure could provide the recipient with an advantage over other Fund shareholders and whether the proposed disclosure gives rise to a conflict of interest between the Funds’ shareholders and Matthews, the Funds’ principal underwriter or other affiliated person. Compliance will report all waivers of or exceptions to the Policies to the Board and will promptly notify the Board of any misuse and/or non-compliance with the Policies. The Board may impose additional restrictions on the disclosure of portfolio holdings information at any time.

The Policies are designed to provide useful information concerning the Funds to existing and prospective Fund shareholders while at the same time inhibiting the improper use of portfolio holdings information in trading Fund shares and/or portfolio securities held by the Funds. However, there can be no assurance that the provision of any portfolio holdings information is not susceptible to inappropriate uses (such as the development of “market timing” models), particularly in the hands of highly sophisticated investors, or that it will not in fact be used in inappropriate ways beyond the control of the Funds.

Management of the Funds

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight.

The operations of the Funds are under the direction of the Board of Trustees. The Board establishes the Funds’ policies and oversees and reviews the management of the Funds. The Board meets regularly (i.e., at least quarterly) to review the investment performance of the Funds and other financial and operational matters, including policies and procedures with respect to compliance with regulatory and other requirements, as well as to review the activities of the Trust’s officers, who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Funds. The Board met 7 times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. In addition, the Board held a number of informational sessions with Matthews to discuss the impact to the Liquidity Risk Management Program of the Funds as a result of the worldwide market disruptions, which occurred in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic and in particular as a result of extended exchange closures in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The Board consists of eight Trustees, six of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) and two of whom are “interested persons” of the Trust (the “Interested Trustees”). An Independent Trustee serves as Chairman of the Board. In addition, both of the standing committees of the Board, to which the Board has delegated certain authority and supervisory responsibilities, are comprised exclusively of Independent Trustees. Those committees are the Audit Committee and the Governance Committee, whose responsibilities and activities are described below. As part of each regular Board meeting, the Independent Trustees meet separately from Matthews with their independent legal counsel and with the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”). The Board reviews its leadership structure periodically as part of its annual self-assessment process and believes that its structure is appropriate to enable the Board to exercise its oversight of the Funds.

The Funds have retained Matthews as the Funds’ investment adviser. Subject to the objectives and policies as the Board may determine, Matthews furnishes a continuing investment program for the Funds, makes investment decisions on their behalf, manages risks that arise from the Funds’ investments and operations, and provides administrative services to each Fund, all pursuant and subject to its investment advisory agreement, dated February 1, 2016, with the Trust, on behalf of the Funds (as amended from time to time, the “Advisory Agreement”). Employees of Matthews serve as the Trust’s officers, including the Trust’s President, Treasurer and CCO.

The Board oversees the services provided by Matthews, including certain risk management functions. Risk management is a broad concept that can cover many elements. The Board handles its review of different elements and types of risks in different ways. In the course of providing oversight, the Board and the Committees receive reports on the Funds’ activities, including regarding each Fund’s

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investment portfolio and the Funds’ financial accounting and reporting. The Board also meets periodically with the Trust’s CCO who reports on the compliance of the Funds with the federal securities laws and the Trust’s internal compliance policies and procedures. The CCO reports to the Board the CCO’s assessment of various compliance, legal and regulatory risks, as well as actions taken to address those risks where appropriate. The Audit Committee’s meetings with the Funds’ independent auditors also contribute to its oversight of certain internal control risks. In addition, the Board meets periodically with the Portfolio Managers of the Funds to receive reports regarding the management of the Funds, including certain investment and operational risks. Because the Board has delegated the day-to-day activities of the Funds to Matthews and other service providers, the risk management oversight provided by the Board can mitigate but not eliminate the identified risks. Not all risks that may affect a Fund can be identified or processes and controls developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects, and some risks are simply beyond any control of a Fund or Matthews, its affiliates or other service providers.

Trustees and Officers.

The Trustees and executive officers of the Funds, their years of birth, business addresses, principal occupations during the past five years and other directorships held are set forth below. The “Fund Complex” refers to the nineteen Funds^* comprising the Trust. The address of each Trustee and executive officer of the Trust is Four Embarcadero Center, Suite 550, San Francisco, CA 94111.

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In addition, Jack Jafolla of BNY Mellon serves as an Assistant Treasurer of the Trust.

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Board Committees.

Currently, the Board has an Audit Committee and a Governance Committee. Each committee is composed solely of the Independent Trustees (currently, Messrs. Lee, Lyons, Shibano and Zeschin, and Mses. Caruso and Rossman). The Chairperson and functions of each committee are set forth below.

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The Board has also designated Mr. Shibano as the Board’s compliance liaison. As compliance liaison, Mr. Shibano will serve as a point person for the Board to interact with the CCO in between regular quarterly Board meetings, as appropriate, and to communicate with the Board regarding compliance matters. The Board has designated Mr. Lyons as the Board’s risk liaison. As risk liaison, Mr. Lyons will serve as a point person for the Board to interact with Matthews’ Global Head of Risk and Compliance in between regular quarterly Board meetings, as appropriate, and to communicate with the Board regarding risk matters.

The Board may also establish various working groups from time to time as deemed necessary or appropriate. Such working groups would typically be comprised of a subset of the Board and would review matters as designated by the Board. Currently, the Board has established a 15(c) contract renewal group, comprised of Messrs. Zeschin and Ms. Caruso. The 15(c) contract renewal working group provides a preliminary review of Matthews’ 15(c) contract renewal material before it is presented to the full Board.

Information about Each Trustee’s Qualifications, Experience, Attributes or Skills.

The Board takes into account a variety of factors in the selection of candidates to serve as Trustees, including the then composition of the Board. Generally, no one factor is decisive in the selection of an individual to join the Board. Among the factors the Board considers when concluding that an individual should serve on the Board are the following: (i) the individual’s business and professional experience and accomplishments; (ii) the individual’s ability to work effectively with the other members of the Board; and (iii) how the individual’s skills, experience, and attributes would contribute to an appropriate mix of relevant skills and experience on the Board. In addition, to serve as a Trustee, an individual should also possess various other intangible qualities such as intelligence, work ethic, and the ability to work together, to communicate effectively, to ask incisive questions, to exercise judgment, and to oversee the business of the Trust.

The Board also considers diversity of its Trustees. The Board has not adopted any particular standard or policy with respect to diversity, but it considers varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in evaluating candidates, nominees and fellow Trustees.

The Board also considers, among other factors, the particular attributes described below with respect to the various individual Trustees.

Ms. Caruso has many years of financial services experience in the U.S. and Canada, including substantial executive experience in the investment management industry and extensive experience serving on the boards of mutual funds and other companies.

Mr. Lee has many years of global financial markets experience, managing derivative product development and marketing activities to financial institutional clients in a number of Asian countries, as well as substantial experience as a member of management and executive committees and as a director of an investment company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Mr. Lyons has enjoyed and continues to enjoy a distinguished academic and professional career in fields relevant to business and the investment industry generally, and he has many years of experience as a director or trustee of investment companies, including over a decade in the past as a Trustee of the Trust.

Ms. Rossman has many years of experience as an investment professional specializing in portfolio management and is familiar with the analysis of investment strategy, trading, and performance results, and she has been serving on the Board since 2006.

Mr. Shibano has many years of academic and professional business experience with prominent institutions and companies, much of which has related to financial matters, and he also has over ten years of experience serving on the Board.

Mr. Zeschin has many years of experience in the investment management and investment advisory industry, including substantial experience with mutual funds as an independent trustee or independent director and chairman of board, and he has been serving on the Board since 2007.

Mr. Horrocks has extensive investment management experience as the Chief Investment Officer of Matthews and has been serving as the chief investment officer or similar function in the investment management industry since 2003.

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Fund Ownership by Trustees.

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in each of the Funds and in all registered investment companies overseen by the Trustee within the same family of investment companies, as of December 31, 2021.

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As of December 31, 2021, none of the Independent Trustees or their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) owned beneficially or of record an interest in Matthews or the Funds’ underwriter, or in any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Matthews or the Funds’ underwriter.

Shareholders’ Voting Powers

On any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders, all shares shall be voted separately by the individual Fund, except that the shares shall be voted in the aggregate and not by individual Fund when (i) required by the 1940 Act; or (ii) the Board of Trustees has determined that the matters affect the interests of more than one Fund (e.g., the election of a new member to the Board of Trustees of the Trust). Each whole share is entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote, and each fractional share is entitled to a proportionate fractional vote.

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement

The Trust has retained Matthews to manage the assets of each of the Funds pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, which has been approved by the Board of Trustees, including the Independent Trustees. Additional information regarding the Advisory Agreement may be found in the section entitled “Investment Advisor, Underwriter and Other Service Providers.” The Advisory Agreement has an initial term of two years for each Fund and continues in effect from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of the respective Fund, or by the Board of Trustees, and in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds is available in the Funds’ Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

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Compensation

The fees and expenses of the Trustees are allocated to each series of the Trust and paid by the Trust. The following table shows the fees paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 to the Trustees for their service to the Funds and the total compensation paid to the Trustees by the Fund Complex.

No officer or employee of Matthews or BNY Mellon receives any compensation from the Funds for acting as an officer or employee of the Trust. The officers of the Trust receive no compensation directly from the Funds for performing the duties of their offices. Neither the Trustees nor the officers of the Trust receive any pension or retirement benefits from the Funds.

Code of Ethics

The Trust and Matthews have adopted a written code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) pursuant to Section 17(j) of the 1940 Act and Rule 17j-1 thereunder and Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Code of Ethics requires certain persons with access to investment information (“Access Persons”) to obtain prior clearance before engaging in certain personal securities transactions. Transactions must be executed generally within 2 business days of clearance. In addition, all Access Persons must report their personal securities transactions within 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter or becoming an Access Person, and file an annual statement within 45 calendar days with respect to their personal securities holdings. Access Persons and members of their immediate family are prohibited from directly and indirectly acquiring beneficial ownership in any Asia Pacific or emerging country security (excluding ownership of shares of an investment company registered under the 1940 Act). Any material violation of the Code of Ethics is reported to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees also oversees the administration of the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is on file with the SEC.

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Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

The Board of Trustees has delegated to Matthews the authority to vote proxies of companies held in each Fund’s portfolio. Matthews has written Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Proxy Policies”) to retain the proxy advisory services of an independent proxy consultant, Institutional Shareholder Services, a division of RiskMetrics Group, Inc. (“ISS”), and adopted ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines to assist Matthews in evaluating shareholder proposals, effecting proxy votes and maintaining appropriate records. Matthews also retains the services of other independent proxy consultants and considers their proxy voting guidelines and proxy advisory recommendations to augment research in certain markets.

For significant corporate matters, such as establishing pension or profit sharing plans, proposed mergers and acquisitions, and sales of assets, as well as sustainability- and ESG-related matters, ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines establish guidelines for evaluating the facts and circumstances of the particular proposal. In such circumstances, Matthews evaluates the proposal in light of the best interests of a Fund and its shareholders and votes accordingly. For the Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Fund, Matthews may vote proxies based on Matthews’ sustainability criteria where it deems appropriate. With respect to other more routine matters, the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines may establish certain standards that, if satisfied, will result in a vote for or against a proposal. Routine matters include (i) election of directors; (ii) approval of auditors; (iii) approval of dividends and distributions; (iv) confidential voting; and (v) limitation on charitable contributions or fees paid to professional advisors. However, even in these circumstances, Matthews reserves the right to evaluate each proposal individually, and to vote on the matter in a manner that Matthews believes is in the best interest of a Fund or its shareholders (even if that vote is inconsistent with ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines) (“Override”). For example, while Matthews generally votes in favor of management’s nominees for a board of directors, it may vote against management nominees if it believes that the board was entrenched or otherwise not acting in the best interests of shareholders. Matthews generally votes in the same manner for each of its Funds, subject to the individual objectives of each Fund. As a result, Matthews may vote in favor of a proposal for certain Funds while voting against the same proposal for other Funds (“Split Votes”). Matthews also reserves the right to revise, alter or supplement the Proxy Policies from time-to-time, which may result in different votes on similar issues over time.

There may be circumstances in which Matthews believes that refraining from voting on a matter submitted to shareholders is in the best interests of the Funds or its shareholders, such as when the cost of voting the proxy exceeds the expected benefit to a Fund. Similarly, voting on shareholder matters in foreign countries, particularly in emerging markets, may be subject to restrictions (including registration procedures that may result in a holding becoming illiquid for a period of time) and limitations that impede or make impractical the exercise of shareholder rights. Such limitations may include (i) untimely or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings; (ii) restrictions on the ability of holders outside the issuer’s jurisdiction of organization to exercise votes; (iii) in person voting requirements; (iv) restrictions on the sale of securities for periods surrounding the shareholder meeting (“share blocking”); (v) granting local agents powers of attorney to facilitate voting instructions; (vi) proxy materials or ballots not being readily available; and (vii) proxy materials or ballots not being available in English.

There may be circumstances in which Matthews has or may be perceived to have a conflict or potential conflict of interest in voting on particular matters. Matthews attempts to minimize this potential by utilizing an independent consultant to monitor and apply ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines. Matthews also monitors for conflicts and potential conflicts of interest circumstances. When a material conflict of interest is identified, Matthews (i) votes proxies in accordance with ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines; (ii) votes proxies based upon the recommendations of an independent third party or parties; (iii) advises the Board of Trustees of the circumstances, seeks their direction, and votes accordingly; or (iv) takes other action as may be appropriate in the particular circumstances.

In addition to providing research and other proxy voting services, ISS, through its Corporate Services Division, offers products and services to issuers of proxy solicitations consisting of advisory and analytical services, self-assessment tools and publications. ISS has represented that employees of its Corporate Services Division are not involved in ISS’ analysis of filed proxy proposals or preparation of vote recommendations. Nonetheless, ISS has adopted policies and procedures to guard against and to resolve any conflicts of interest that may arise in connection with its provision of research analyses, vote recommendations and voting services to Matthews.

Examples of the Funds’ positions on voting matters under the Proxy Policies. Consistent with the approaches described above, the following are examples of the Funds’ voting positions on specific matters:

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2021 is available without charge, (1) by visiting matthewsasia.com, (2) by calling the Fund at (800) 789-ASIA (2742) and (3) on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.

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Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities

As of June 30, 2022, the Trustees and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Class of the Funds, except for the Institutional Class of the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund and the Investor Class of the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund. As of June 30, 2022, the Trustees and officers as a group owned 3.29% of the Institutional Class of the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund and 2.38% of the Investor Class of the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund. 

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The tables below show, as of June 30 2022, the persons who owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of the Funds. Any person owning more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund may be deemed to have effective voting control over the operation of that Fund, which would diminish the voting rights of other shareholders. Figures shown for the Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund are calculated giving effect to the reorganization of the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund with and into that Fund, using information from June 30, 2022.

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Investment Advisor, Underwriter and Other Service Providers

Investment Advisor

Currently the Trust employs only one investment advisor, Matthews International Capital Management, LLC. RBC USA Holdco Corporation (“RBC”), which is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the publicly traded Royal Bank of Canada, and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (“Mizuho”), which is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the publicly traded Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., each has an ownership interest of 10–25% in Matthews. Funds managed by a subsidiary of Lovell Minnick Partners LLC (“Lovell Minnick”), a private equity firm and registered investment advisor, also have a collective ownership interest (through direct owners) of 10-25% in Matthews. G. Paul Matthews and Mark W. Headley each has an ownership interest of 10–25%, and 5–10%, respectively, in Matthews. A representative of each of RBC, Mizuho, Lovell Minnick, Mr. Matthews and Mr. Headley are members of the Board of Directors of Matthews. Because of their ownership of, or positions with, Matthews, each of RBC, Lovell Minnick, Mizuho, Mr. Matthews and Mr. Headley may, for certain purposes, be deemed to be affiliated with Matthews.

Matthews performs its duties and is paid pursuant to its Advisory Agreement. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and Matthews are parties to the Advisory Agreement. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third party”) beneficiaries of, the Advisory Agreement. Rather, the Trust and its respective investment series are the sole intended beneficiaries of the Advisory Agreement. Neither this SAI nor the Prospectus is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights in any shareholder, other than any rights conferred by federal or state securities laws. Some of the terms of the Advisory Agreement are set by the 1940 Act, such as the annual review and renewal of the Advisory Agreement by the Board of Trustees after an initial two-year term and the termination by the Board of Trustees without penalty on 60 days’ notice.

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The advisory services provided by Matthews and the fees received by it for such services are described in the Prospectus. Matthews may, from time-to-time, voluntarily waive its advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses with respect to one or more of the Funds, but is not obligated to do so. Matthews may delegate certain of its duties under the Advisory Agreement to an adviser or participating affiliate it controls, subject to its ongoing supervision. Matthews has organized an entity in Hong Kong, Matthews Global Investors (Hong Kong) Limited, which is technically regarded as a “participating affiliate” of Matthews. Personnel associated with Matthews Global Investors (Hong Kong) Limited provide certain portfolio management services at no extra cost to the Matthews Asia Dividend Fund, the Matthews China Dividend Fund, and the Matthews China Fund.

Under the Advisory Agreement, Matthews is not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Funds in connection with the performance of the Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its duties and obligations thereunder.

The terms of the Advisory Agreement provide that, after an initial two-year term, it will continue from year to year provided that it is approved at least annually by the vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of each Fund, or by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated with respect to a Fund by vote of the Board of Trustees or by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund, at any time without penalty, on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may also terminate its advisory relationship with respect to a Fund on 60 days’ written notice to that Fund. The Advisory Agreement cannot be assigned; any assignment would automatically terminate the Advisory Agreement.

Under the Advisory Agreement, each Fund is responsible for payment of all of its expenses except those specifically assumed by Matthews or another third party, including payment of the following expenses:

The ratio of each Fund’s expenses to its relative net assets can be expected to be higher than the expense ratio of a fund investing solely in domestic securities, since the cost of maintaining the custody of foreign securities is generally higher than comparable expenses for such other funds and the rate of investment management fees paid by each Fund may also be higher than the comparable expenses of such other funds.

General expenses of the Trust such as costs of maintaining corporate existence, legal fees, insurance, etc., and expenses shared by the Funds will be allocated among the Funds on a basis deemed fair and equitable by the Board of Trustees, which may be based on the relative net assets of the Funds or the nature of the services performed and relative applicability to each Fund. Expenses which relate exclusively to a particular Fund, such as certain registration fees, brokerage commissions and other portfolio expenses, will be borne directly by that Fund.

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The Funds pay Matthews (i) for management and advisory services; and (ii) for certain administrative services, an annual fee as a percentage of average daily net assets. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Funds, other than the excluded Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund, Matthews China Small Companies Fund, Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund (such Funds other than the excluded Funds collectively, the “Family-Priced Funds”), in the aggregate pay Matthews 0.75% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Family-Priced Funds up to $2 billion, 0.6834% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Family-Priced Funds over $2 billion up to $5 billion, 0.65% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Family-Priced Funds over $5 billion up to $25 billion, 0.64% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Family-Priced Funds over $25 billion up to $30 billion, 0.63% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Family-Priced Funds over $30 billion up to $35 billion, 0.62% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Family-Priced Funds over $35 billion up to $40 billion, 0.61% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Family-Priced Funds over $40 billion up to $45 billion, and 0.60% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Family-Priced Funds over $45 billion.

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each of the Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund and Matthews China Small Companies Fund pays Matthews an annual fee of 1.00% of the average daily net assets of such Fund up to $1 billion and 0.95% of the average daily net assets of such Fund over $1 billion. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund pays Matthews an annual fee of 0.55% of such Fund’s average daily net assets.

Each Fund pays Matthews a monthly fee at the annual rate using the applicable investment management fee calculated based on the actual numbers of days of the month and based on the Fund’s average daily net assets for the month. In addition, under the Shareholder Services Agreement (as defined below), the Funds pay Matthews a fee for administrative and shareholder services. See “Shareholder Servicing and Administration.”

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2020, and 2021 the aggregate advisory fees earned by Matthews before and after waivers of fees and/or reimbursement/subsidy of expenses by Matthews were as follows:

Pursuant to an operating expenses agreement, dated as of November 4, 2003, (as amended from time to time, the “Operating Expenses Agreement”), Matthews has agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit total annual operating expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class (i) for all Funds other than the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund, Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, to 1.20%, (ii) for the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, to 0.90%, and (iii) for the Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund, to 1.15%, in each case first by waiving class specific expenses (i.e., shareholder service fees specific to a particular class) of the Institutional Class and then, to the extent necessary, by waiving non-class specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) of the Institutional Class. If any non-class specific expenses of the Institutional Class are waived for the Institutional Class, Matthews has also agreed to waive an equal amount of non-class specific expenses for the Investor Class. Because certain expenses of the Investor Class may be higher than those of the Institutional Class and because no class specific expenses will be waived for the Investor Class, the total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and expense reimbursement for the Investor Class would be 1.20%, 0.90% or 1.15%, as appropriate, plus the sum of (i) the amount (in annual percentage terms) of the class specific expenses incurred by the Investor Class that exceed those incurred by the Institutional Class; and (ii) the amount (in annual percentage terms) of the class specific expenses reduced for the Institutional Class and not the Investor Class.

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For all Funds other than the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, if a Fund’s expenses fall below the expense limitation within three years after Matthews has made such a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount not to cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of such fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. For the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, any amount waived pursuant to the Operating Expenses Agreement is not subject to recoupment.

For each Fund, the Operating Expenses Agreement will continue through April 30, 2023, and may be extended for additional periods not exceeding one year. This agreement may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement, effective as of September 1, 2014, between the Trust, on behalf of the Family-Priced Funds, and Matthews (as amended from time to time, the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), for each Family-Priced Fund, Matthews has contractually agreed to waive a portion of the fee payable under the Advisory Agreement and a portion of the fee payable under the Shareholder Services Agreement, if any Family-Priced Fund’s average daily net assets are over $3 billion, as follows: for every $2.5 billion average daily net assets of a Family-Priced Fund that are over $3 billion, the fee rates under the Advisory Agreement and the Services Agreement for such Family-Priced Fund with respect to such excess average daily net assets will be each reduced by 0.01%, in each case without reducing such fee rate below 0.00%. Matthews may not recoup fees waived pursuant to the Fee Waiver Agreement. The Board has approved the Fee Waiver Agreement for an additional one-year term through April 30, 2023 and may terminate the agreement at any time upon 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew the Fee Waiver Agreement by providing written notice to the Trust at least 60 days before its annual expiration date.

Pursuant to an amended and restated intermediary platform fee subsidy letter agreement, effective March 1, 2015, between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and Matthews (as amended from time to time, the “Subsidy Agreement”), with respect to each intermediary platform that charges the Funds 10 basis points (0.10%) or more for services provided with respect to Institutional Class shares of the Funds through such platform, Matthews has voluntarily agreed to reimburse the Institutional Class of the Funds a portion of those service fees in an amount equal to 2 basis points (0.02%), and with respect to each intermediary platform that charges the Funds 5 basis points (0.05%) or more but less than 10 basis points (0.10%) for the offer and sale of Institutional Class shares of the Matthews Asia Funds through such platform, Matthews has voluntarily agreed to reimburse the Institutional Class of the Matthews Asia Funds a portion of those service fees in an amount equal to 1 basis point (0.01%). Matthews may not recoup amounts reimbursed pursuant to the Subsidy Agreement. The Subsidy Agreement may be terminated at any time by the Board upon 60 days’ written notice to Matthews, or by Matthews upon 60 days’ written notice to the Board.

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For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the gross advisory fees earned under the Advisory Agreement, fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed/subsidized by Matthews pursuant to the Operating Expenses Agreement, the Fee Waiver Agreement and the Subsidy Agreement, and the net advisory fees for each Fund were as follows:

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Portfolio Managers

The following table shows information regarding other accounts managed by the Funds’ Lead Managers, who are primarily responsible for the applicable Fund’s day-to-day investment management decisions as of December 31, 2021.

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