Lingling Wei, a Wall Street Journal correspondent known for her deep insights into China's economy, shares her unique perspectives on the challenges journalists face today. She reflects on the harrowing Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, emphasizing the courage of reporters amidst chaos. Wei discusses the current restrictions on foreign media in China and the emotional toll it takes on journalists with families there. As the landscape evolves, she highlights the importance of innovative reporting techniques and the ongoing impact of censorship on public discourse.
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Reporting From Tiananmen Square
During the Tiananmen Square protests, CBS correspondent Richard Roth reported freely from within China.
He was eventually detained for 19 hours after witnessing and reporting on the military's violent response.
insights INSIGHT
Decline of American Journalists in China
The number of American journalists in China has decreased significantly, especially after the expulsion of reporters in 2020.
This limits on-the-ground reporting and access to diverse perspectives within the country.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Lingling Wei's Expulsion
Lingling Wei, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was expelled from China due to rising political tensions.
Despite being a U.S. citizen, her Chinese heritage didn't prevent her expulsion, and she was escorted to the gate upon leaving.
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Nicholas Kristof's 'Chasing Hope' is a compelling memoir that chronicles his journey as a journalist, focusing on his experiences covering human rights issues, particularly in China and Southeast Asia. The book offers a personal reflection on the challenges and rewards of investigative reporting in often dangerous and politically sensitive environments. Kristof shares his encounters with individuals whose lives have been impacted by injustice and oppression, highlighting the human cost of conflict and political repression. Through his stories, he underscores the importance of bearing witness and advocating for those who lack a voice. The book is a testament to the power of journalism to effect positive change in the world.
Assignment China
An Oral History of American Journalists in the People’s Republic
Mike Chinoy
Mike Chinoy's 'Assignment China' offers a comprehensive oral history of American journalists' experiences in the People's Republic of China. The book delves into the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of reporting from within a country known for its strict media controls. It provides valuable insights into the evolution of US-China relations as seen through the eyes of those on the ground. The narratives reveal the personal sacrifices and professional risks undertaken by journalists to bring stories to the world. 'Assignment China' serves as a testament to the importance of journalistic integrity and the pursuit of truth in the face of adversity.
There are few American journalists reporting from inside China today. But that has not always been the case. In fact, American journalists in China freely reported on one of the biggest stories of recent history: the Chinese army’s massacre of protestors in Tiananmen Square in 1989. In this episode, we talk to Richard Roth, a CBS correspondent who was there during the 1989 protests. We feature Lingling Wei, the distinguished Wall Street Journal correspondent who was kicked out of China, along with other American reporters. How are journalists today reporting on China from afar? At this vital time, how do we get on the ground reporting from China when we can’t be on the ground?
Guest: Lingling Wei, Wall Street Journal, Chinese born journalist now in New York
Book Recommendations:
Assignment China: An Oral History of American Journalists in the People’s Republic by Mike Chinoy
Chasing Hope: A Reporter’s Life by Nicholas Kristof.
Sound design, original score, mixing and mastering by Rowhome Productions. Rowhome’s Creative Director is Alex Lewis. John Myers is Rowhome’s Executive Producer.
Face-Off: The U.S. vs China 
