Kicked Out of China

The podcast explores China's expulsion of U.S. journalists amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing a complex interplay of retaliatory measures and deeper ideological motivations. Paul Mozur, a New York Times reporter expelled from China, recounts his experience and the escalating xenophobia he witnessed. The Chinese government's propagation of conspiracy theories, suggesting the virus originated outside China, particularly the U.S., fueled anti-foreigner sentiment. This was compounded by increased surveillance and restrictions on foreign journalists, hindering their ability to report on the real situation. The podcast suggests China's actions reflect a broader strategy to control its narrative, especially regarding its handling of the pandemic and its ambition to be seen as a dominant superpower.