Ep. 2: American Correspondents in China

The evolution of American journalism in China reflects a century of shifting geopolitical dynamics, from the early days of reporting on communist insurgents to the current era of heightened surveillance and restricted access. Mike Chinoy, a veteran foreign correspondent and author of *Assignment China*, details how the profession has transitioned from "China watching" from Hong Kong to the relative openness of the 1980s and 90s, and finally to the present climate of increased state control and visa expulsions. While modern surveillance technology and political tensions make on-the-ground reporting significantly more difficult, correspondents continue to navigate these obstacles to humanize the Chinese experience. By moving beyond state-driven narratives and security-focused headlines, journalists strive to provide a nuanced understanding of a society that remains essential to global affairs, despite the narrowing windows for independent inquiry.