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Face-Off: The U.S. vs China
Journalists in China
Feb 18, 2025
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.
39:13
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Quick takeaways
- Richard Roth's firsthand reporting during the Tiananmen Square protests highlights the stark contrast with today's restricted journalistic access in China.
- Lingling Wei's expulsion from China exemplifies the personal sacrifices and risks modern journalists face in a climate of suppression.
Deep dives
Dramatic Reporting from Tiananmen Square
In the spring of 1989, American journalist Richard Roth found himself amidst the intense pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square, where he experienced unprecedented freedom of movement as a reporter. Roth and his crew reported on the growing tensions as nearly 200,000 soldiers were mobilized to suppress the protests, resulting in a night of violence on June 3rd. The chaos peaked when Roth, while reporting live by cell phone, was detained by armed soldiers and experienced physical aggression from the authorities. This night marked a tragic turning point, as thousands of deaths occurred in the square, with the brutal suppression of the protests going largely unreported in real-time due to the dangerous situation for journalists on the ground.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode