Thanks for linking to my piece. I largely agree with parts of this, but I think there is some nuance to be added as well. China was pretty clear the issue was not the interview of Lai or calling him a president, which as you note are regular features of Times/Western coverage, but specifically calling Taiwan a "country," which the NYT as a matter of policy prohibits, for unknown reasons. I tear into that in my own piece, because it is a needless kowtow to China, which as you note, still results in the same censorious expulsions in the end.
And honestly regarding reporters covering China from Taiwan... it would be better if they left. This is not a place from which you can observe China well, and the result is you get a lot of coverage of Taiwan by people who speak great Chinese but know very little about Taiwan and have internalized Chinese views of Taiwan's history, status, and politics. You'll get a lot of insights into China reporting from HK, Seoul, Tokyo, and New York than Taipei.
Welcome. Congrats on breaking. *Win for Substack* Wasn't aware of NYT's stance. That was interesting.
Agree that being based in Taipei is useless for covering China, might as well be in Nairobi or La Paz. Also heard stories about / met far too many Western editors convinced invasion will happen tomorrow. Many rushing to Taipei with narcissistic ideas of a front row seat, making their name as a war reporter, and frustrated it's taking so long. Coverage hyperbolic, shallow in the interim. Seatblocking those who might do better. Not great.
but how to do this if the government won't issue visas? "My impression is that foreign outlets recognise they are under attack, though are yet to realise they are in a total war. They need resources. Those befitting covering the world’s second most powerful country, a population the fifth of the world, and a protagonist to nearly every major 21st century story.
And to send their best, people with actual China experience.
There’s more than enough floating around. Many here on Substack. Particularly in the UK, thanks to the recent decimation of Hong Kong’s civic society. You can’t move in London, for tripping over a listless ex-Hong Kong journalist. And within China itself, plenty frustrated there, too. Some even in western news offices. News assistants, i.e., the Chinese staff who do the uncredited dogsbody work, and take the most risk, yet are feeling increasingly despondent «This is a must read». Or the not one, but three state media workers who messaged me in the last few weeks, quietly asking if I knew of any escape routes or job opportunities. That’s a deep talent bench. Share the load."
Weirdly, I hear those in the relevant Chinese authorities are also under pressure to get journalists in, they're just suspicious of who. If I were an unblemished second-tier foreign media outlet, now might be a good time to try. Especially regionally.
Dissent, no problem. Repeated AI comments to promote a paywalled AI-written blog: rather not.
You deleted your other comment while I was replying: But, I think storytelling is storytelling, and in my experience, positivity delivers bigger audiences than negativity when done right. Plenty of stories in China. Just need to be found and told with skill.
Someone once joked about being expelled by China was the best prize a journalist could win as they would have done something right there…
So.. So.. You're saying these mean nothing..? *gathers up armful of state media awards*.. 🥺
Excellent piece.
Thanks for linking to my piece. I largely agree with parts of this, but I think there is some nuance to be added as well. China was pretty clear the issue was not the interview of Lai or calling him a president, which as you note are regular features of Times/Western coverage, but specifically calling Taiwan a "country," which the NYT as a matter of policy prohibits, for unknown reasons. I tear into that in my own piece, because it is a needless kowtow to China, which as you note, still results in the same censorious expulsions in the end.
And honestly regarding reporters covering China from Taiwan... it would be better if they left. This is not a place from which you can observe China well, and the result is you get a lot of coverage of Taiwan by people who speak great Chinese but know very little about Taiwan and have internalized Chinese views of Taiwan's history, status, and politics. You'll get a lot of insights into China reporting from HK, Seoul, Tokyo, and New York than Taipei.
Welcome. Congrats on breaking. *Win for Substack* Wasn't aware of NYT's stance. That was interesting.
Agree that being based in Taipei is useless for covering China, might as well be in Nairobi or La Paz. Also heard stories about / met far too many Western editors convinced invasion will happen tomorrow. Many rushing to Taipei with narcissistic ideas of a front row seat, making their name as a war reporter, and frustrated it's taking so long. Coverage hyperbolic, shallow in the interim. Seatblocking those who might do better. Not great.
Yep. A lot of correspondents showing up here giving vibes they're looking to make their careers on "the fall of Taiwan" or some other fantasy
Outstanding reporting Sean
but how to do this if the government won't issue visas? "My impression is that foreign outlets recognise they are under attack, though are yet to realise they are in a total war. They need resources. Those befitting covering the world’s second most powerful country, a population the fifth of the world, and a protagonist to nearly every major 21st century story.
And to send their best, people with actual China experience.
There’s more than enough floating around. Many here on Substack. Particularly in the UK, thanks to the recent decimation of Hong Kong’s civic society. You can’t move in London, for tripping over a listless ex-Hong Kong journalist. And within China itself, plenty frustrated there, too. Some even in western news offices. News assistants, i.e., the Chinese staff who do the uncredited dogsbody work, and take the most risk, yet are feeling increasingly despondent «This is a must read». Or the not one, but three state media workers who messaged me in the last few weeks, quietly asking if I knew of any escape routes or job opportunities. That’s a deep talent bench. Share the load."
Weirdly, I hear those in the relevant Chinese authorities are also under pressure to get journalists in, they're just suspicious of who. If I were an unblemished second-tier foreign media outlet, now might be a good time to try. Especially regionally.
but in on J2s right?
I hear J1s. Just needs savvy approach, and legwork with Information Dept. Critical coverage accepted, too, as long as part of "fair" package.
AI slop comment, to promote an AI slop blog~
Deleted dissenting comment.... Well, now we know what this is about. Outta here...
Dissent, no problem. Repeated AI comments to promote a paywalled AI-written blog: rather not.
You deleted your other comment while I was replying: But, I think storytelling is storytelling, and in my experience, positivity delivers bigger audiences than negativity when done right. Plenty of stories in China. Just need to be found and told with skill.