I don't know about Asian males. But, call me crazy, salary is something that I would bring up. I does not make sense to interview for a position that pays far below your current salary. There is really no need to interview if you are not on the same page. This does not only save my time, it also saves yours.

By the way, the guy the was the most pushy ever about my references was a guy I insisted on doing a phone interview first. After the interview and the offer he have, I had to kindly decline to proceed on the matter.