WSJ seeks a China economics reporter

The Wall Street Journal is looking for a reporter to cover the Chinese economy.

The Chinese economy is at a pivotal moment, as a 40-year boom fuelled by free trade collides with the Trump administration’s America First agenda. China, already struggling with an epic property bust, a shrinking population and a collapse in foreign investment, is now locked in an economic and political showdown with the U.S., its biggest trading partner and main geopolitical rival.

This historic clash has profound implications, both for the Chinese economy and global commerce.

Western companies that had become reliant on Chinese supply chains are moving production out of the country to avoid U.S. tariffs. As China seeks to manufacture its way out of its slump, foreign capitals are raising trade barriers to fend off an onslaught of Chinese products. Meanwhile, under Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Beijing is pursuing costly industrial policies aimed at surpassing the U.S. in economic might. All of this is helping to cleave the world into rival geopolitical blocs aligned with either Washington or Beijing.

We are looking for a reporter who can capture this historic moment, from rewiring of global supply chains to the impact on China’s economy.

The ideal candidate would have excellent analytical skills and an ability to dive into economic statistics, trade data and demographic trends. You would have the storytelling skills to bring these stories to life through real people and real businesses. You would work very closely with bureaus around the world, notably in the U.S., so that the Journal is the first to discern and report the global impact of China’s pivot.

You will:

• Be a key member of a flexible team that is focused on ambitious and distinctive work;
• In consultation with your editor, identify big targets for your reporting that lead to a cohesive body of work on your beat;
• Produce in-depth enterprise and exclusive stories;
• Identify novel ways to tell stories, including through graphics, photos, videos and podcasts;
• Work closely with editors and reporters in other regions to help lead globe-spanning stories;
• Collaborate with colleagues in business and finance in identifying and leading stories at the nexus of geopolitics and money

You have:

• The skills and instincts to jump on news, writing quickly and cleanly
• Strong enterprise-reporting skills and the ability to conceive and execute deep long-form reported articles and other signature features
• Strong communications skills and a proven ability to work across geographies and coverage areas
• Chinese language skills are a plus, but not required.

To apply, go here.