Xinhua's Liu Yang and Jiang Jiang of "Got China" Get Western Journalism
Oct 24, 2024
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Liu Yang and Jiang Jiang, journalists at Xinhua News Agency and co-hosts of "Got China," bridge the gap between Chinese and Western journalism. They share personal stories about their journeys in state media and discuss the challenges of perception. The duo delves into American misconceptions about China's economy, debunking ideas like 'China collapse theory.' They provide insights into recent government policies impacting the real estate market and explore their ambitious plans for their YouTube show, aiming to enrich the dialogue on global affairs.
Liu Yang and Jiang Jiang illustrate how state-affiliated journalists are dismantling stereotypes by providing nuanced insights on China's internal and external narratives.
The personal journeys of Liu Yang and Jiang Jiang emphasize the importance of diverse experiences in journalism for understanding China's complex socio-political landscape.
Deep dives
Emergence of Credible Voices in Chinese Media
In recent years, a noteworthy trend has emerged in state-owned Chinese media, with journalists gaining credibility among Western audiences and the international discourse surrounding China. This shift signifies a breaking of traditional barriers as more individuals in state media, like those from Xinhua, are producing nuanced and insightful content that challenges the once prevailing notion that state-affiliated journalists are solely propagandists. For instance, Liu Yang and Zhang Zhang, two young journalists from Xinhua, display exceptional engagement in Western media dialogues and have built significant followings through their newsletters and shows. Their work reflects an understanding and responsiveness to Western concerns about China, thereby fulfilling a critical need for diverse perspectives in the media landscape.
Personal Journeys into Journalism
The personal backgrounds of journalists today highlight a diverse array of pathways into the field, with many coming from non-traditional backgrounds before settling into their media roles. For example, Liu Yang began her career studying German literature and later worked in international news, while Zhang Zhang transitioned from an auditor to a sports international affairs officer before moving into journalism. Their experiences underscore not only their individual journeys but also the importance of varied viewpoints in shaping a more comprehensive understanding of China's complex socio-political landscape. Moreover, both journalists have embraced the need for effective communication of China's policies, showcasing an innate desire to connect with foreign audiences.
Engaging with Global Media Discourse
The rise of social media has transformed how journalists in China engage with international discussions, enabling them to carve out a niche that illuminates the Chinese perspective. Liu and Zhang have utilized platforms like newsletters and YouTube to foster deeper understanding of their country's policies among foreign audiences, illustrating the interplay between internal and external narratives. Their initiative bypasses traditional media constraints, allowing for more candid discussions about sensitive topics such as China's economy and political relations. This approach not only bridges the gap between Chinese media and Western discourse but encourages a more balanced dialogue essential for an evolving global narrative.
The Necessity of Diverse Perspectives
Understanding China requires recognizing the diverse perspectives that exist within its complex political framework and acknowledging that state media can provide valuable insights rarely considered in the Western narrative. The journalists highlight that their positions afford them unique access to critical sources and nuanced information often overlooked by foreign media, which has traditionally favored dissenting voices. This perspective is essential, especially when discussing sensitive subjects such as economic policies and international relations, where understanding the rationale behind China's actions can contribute to a more informed analysis. As they continue their work, initiatives like their collaborative show 'Got China' aim to foster greater comprehension of China by providing in-depth discussions on the dynamics of its policies and global relationships.
This week on Sinica, in a show recorded in Beijing, I speak with Liu Yang and Jiang Jiang, the authors of two excellent newsletters — The Beijing Channel and Ginger River Review, respectively — and two of the guys behind the YouTube show "Got China." They're making a great effort to bridge Chinese journalism with Anglophone reporting on China with perspectives and insights from within the Chinese state media system.
4:24 – How Jiang Jiang and Liu Yang became journalists
11:42 – How Liu Yang and Jiang Jiang decided to launch their newsletters, and the advantages of being tǐzhì nèi 体制内
20:29 – Jiang Jiang and Liu Yang’s Got China show
25:46 – Liu Yang’s and Jiang Jiang’s empathy for American perspectives
29:53 – The negative American discourse on the Chinese economy and “China collapse theory”
37:21 The recent press conferences on monetary and policies, and the response in the realty market in Beijing
46:17 What’s next for Got China
Recommendations:
Liu Yang:Modern Chinese Government and Politics 《当代中国政府与政治?》, a Chinese-language textbook
Kaiser: The album The Last Will and Testament by Swedish metal band Opeth; and the Provincial Cuisine Club in Beijing, for trying food from different parts of China
