Assignment China

An Oral History of American Journalists in the People's Republi

By: Mike Chinoy

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

Reporting on China has long been one of the most challenging and crucial of journalistic assignments. Nonetheless, American media coverage of China has profoundly influenced U.S. government policy and shaped public opinion not only domestically but also, given the clout and reach of U.S. news organizations, around the world.

This book tells the story of how American journalists have covered China—from the civil war of the 1940s through the COVID-19 pandemic—in their own words. Mike Chinoy assembles a remarkable collection of personal accounts from eminent journalists. They share behind-the-scenes stories of reporting on historic moments such as Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit in 1972, China's opening up to the outside world and its emergence as a global superpower, and the crackdowns in Tiananmen Square and Xinjiang. Journalists detail the challenges of covering a complex and secretive society and offer insight into eight decades of tumultuous political, economic, and social change.

At a time of crisis in Sino-American relations, understanding the people who have covered China for the American media and how they have done so is crucial to understanding the news. Through the personal accounts of multiple generations of China correspondents, Assignment China provides that understanding.

©2023 Michael Chinoy (P)2023 Tantor

Brilliant Perspective!

As an American living in China for over 18 years, I’m certainly familiar with most of the headlines discussed in the book. But hearing the stories behind the stories provides fascinating new perspective. Chinoy has done a wonderful job capturing the wild ride that Western journalists have had in China through their own words. Thoroughly enjoyable!