The President’s Inbox Reporting from China, With Jane Perlez
Mar 5, 2025
Jane Perlez, a seasoned foreign correspondent for the New York Times and fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center, shares her insights into the declining foreign reporting from China and its implications for U.S.-China relations. She discusses the significant challenges journalists face, including government surveillance and limited access to reliable sources. Perlez also highlights cross-cultural misunderstandings and the misconceptions fueled by media on both sides. As tensions evolve, she reflects on key flashpoints in the relationship between the two superpowers.
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Decline of Foreign Reporting in China
- Only about 20 journalists report from China for U.S. media, a decline from previous years.
- This small number is inadequate for covering such a large and strategically important country.
Tiananmen vs. Today
- During the Tiananmen Square protests, hundreds of foreign journalists were present.
- Today, obtaining journalist visas is much harder, hindering access for U.S. media.
On-the-Ground Reporting
- While constant surveillance is a reality for journalists in China, being on the ground offers invaluable insights.
- It's crucial for understanding the economic realities and public sentiment.