China Bureau Chief

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Why This Role Matters

The Washington Post is looking for our next China bureau chief, who will be responsible for leading coverage of an increasingly confident and assertive China that is locked in a geostrategic struggle with the United States that seems to become more contentious by the day. We are looking for someone who can write with authority and elevation on the power struggle between the world's two biggest economies and military powers and their two competing visions -- and how that is spilling out into the world and into relations with countries big and small.

We cover the full breadth of news from China – including political, economic, military and tech issues – and are looking for a journalist who can write quickly and smartly on significant news of the day but will also produce probing, distinctive stories and investigations. The bureau chief will work closely with our Asia-Pacific editor in setting the agenda for our coverage.

This is a challenging role at any time, but particularly so now, when China is maintaining tight restrictions in accrediting foreign journalists. While we hope that the team will once again be based in Beijing before long, for now, we would like the bureau chief to be based in Taipei though are open to discussions on this.

The bureau chief will lead a team comprising two other correspondents and three researchers, located in multiple cities in Asia, and will work closely with other Post correspondents based in Asia.

Key Responsibilities:

• Report and write with distinction on all aspects of China, with a focus on the issues most relevant to China’s place in the world, including international affairs, security matters, climate policy, business, trade, politics, technology and life inside China. 
• Spot trends early and bring deep reporting, smart context and clear thinking to fast-developing stories, sometimes working in tandem with colleagues in a variety of locations.
• Conceive and deliver riveting storytelling and deep investigations that land with impact.
• Build a network of trusted sources to help break news and land scoops.
• Work in close partnership with other members of The Post’s International team, reporters in our global hubs and colleagues in the Washington newsroom, including those who cover national security, climate, business and technology.
• Embrace visual storytelling, collaborating with the photo, video, graphics and visual forensics departments.
• Cultivate relationships with local journalists in places where The Post does not have correspondents.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least five years of experience as a full-time reporter for a major English-language news organization.
• A track record of covering complicated stories with authority, including a broad range of subject areas and story forms, as well as a proven ability to develop sources and reach elusive targets.
• A quick metabolism and competitive drive.
• The ability to operate seamlessly and selflessly as part of a team.
• Mandarin language skills, while not strictly required, would be highly advantageous.
• Previous experience as an international correspondent, while not strictly required, is preferred. The strongest candidates for many bureau chief positions will have served previously in other international locations.
  
  

Interested applicants should submit a résumé, a cover letter and three clips to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by July 11 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to International Editor Peter Finn, Asia-Pacific Editor Anna Fifield and Managing Editor Peter Speigel.

Collaboration makes us stronger. That’s why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.

Your story awaits. Apply today!

Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.