Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Journalists Received Sponsored China Trips for Pro-China Articles
Some American journalists, including Shikha Dalmia, were given free trips to China by a group called the China-United States Exchange Foundation.
This group wanted the journalists to write nice things about China.
A reporter named Natalie Winters found out about these trips by looking at official documents.
She also found that some of these journalists, like Shikha Dalmia, wrote articles that were positive about China after their trips.
Shikha Dalmia has written for many big newspapers and is known for her critical views on Prime Minister Modi and the Hindu nationalist ideology in India.
Some people think these trips were a way to influence what Americans think about China, while others believe the journalists were just sharing their experiences.
American journalists received sponsored trips to China by the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF).
FARA filings revealed the objective of generating favorable coverage for China in the American media.
Journalists identified include Craig Gilbert, Tony Semerad, Shikha Dalmia, and Jonathan Broder.
Shikha Dalmia wrote a pro-China article titled 'China bashing is for Losers' in Forbes after her trip.
Shikha Dalmia is known for her critical articles on Prime Minister Modi and Hindu nationalist ideology in India.
- Who
- American journalists including Shikha Dalmia, Craig Gilbert, Tony Semerad, and Jonathan Broder.
- What
- Journalists received sponsored trips to China and wrote pro-China articles.
- When
- The trips and articles were part of a broader effort disclosed through FARA filings.
- Where
- The trips took place in China, and the articles were published in various American media outlets.
- Why
- The China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) aimed to generate favorable coverage for China in the American media.
Pro-China Narrative
Critical Perspective
Purpose of Trips
Pro-China Narrative
The trips were intended to foster cultural exchange and understanding between the U.S. and China.
Critical Perspective
The trips were part of a strategic effort to influence American media coverage in favor of China.
Journalistic Integrity
Pro-China Narrative
Journalists maintained their independence and wrote based on their experiences and observations.
Critical Perspective
Journalists were influenced by the sponsorship and wrote articles that were favorable to China.
- Organization
- China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF)
- FARA Filings
- U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act filings disclosed the objective of generating favorable coverage for China.
- Journalists Involved
- Craig Gilbert, Tony Semerad, Shikha Dalmia, Jonathan Broder
- Shikha Dalmia's Article
- China bashing is for Losers, published in Forbes
- Shikha Dalmia's Publications
- Reason, The Week, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Bloomberg Opinion