US Legislative and Geopolitical Correspondent

Purpose of the Position:

Contribute to SCMP’s Americas coverage by reporting on how the US Congress shapes policy toward China and the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on legislation and political debates related to China-related trade, technology, national security, and economic competition.

Deliver the highest standard of coverage for SCMP’s global print, online, audio and video audiences.

In this role, you will: 

• Generate deeply reported, insightful stories on congressional debates, legislation and political dynamics shaping the US-China relationship.

• Build networks on Capitol Hill, including lawmakers, congressional staff, committee aides and policy experts, to produce signature stories that help global audiences understand how Washington is shaping the 21st century’s most important bilateral relationship.

• Closely track the work of key congressional committees — including Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, Intelligence, Commerce, and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China — monitoring hearings, markups and legislative pipelines to anticipate developments affecting US policy toward China.

• Track the development of legislation related to China, including export controls, sanctions, technology competition, trade policy and supply chains, explaining how proposals move through Congress and their implications for global audiences.

• Build relationships with policy experts and track research from Washington think tanks and policy institutions to identify emerging debates and policy ideas shaping US strategy toward China and the Asia-Pacific region.

• Monitor the activities of bipartisan caucuses and congressional groups focused on China and strategic competition, identifying emerging political coalitions and policy initiatives on Capitol Hill.

• In collaboration and coordination with colleagues in the Americas Bureau, Hong Kong and mainland China, report on congressional initiatives related to technology competition, export controls, sanctions, trade policy and supply chains.

• Develop sources among lawmakers, congressional aides, administration officials and analysts to break news and deliver exclusive reporting.

• Be flexible in taking on breaking stories related to US domestic politics, foreign policy and geopolitical developments as needed.

• Be able to multitask, balancing breaking news, quick features and longer analytical pieces.

• Work independently and also be a reliable team player, generating ideas, supporting colleagues and delivering fully reported, accurate copy on deadline.

• Be open to feedback and able to work constructively with editors and supervisors.

Skills and Experience that will lead to success:

• Bachelor’s degree or above with at least five years of experience in daily journalism, preferably covering politics, policy or Washington.

• Proven track record in breaking news with strong news judgement and experience reporting in real-time digital news environments.

• Demonstrated ability to cover legislative processes and develop sources within government institutions.

• Strong knowledge of China and the US-China relationship. Reporting experience in China or covering China-related issues is highly desirable. 

• Strong team player, creative, collegial and able to work under pressure while meeting tight deadlines.

• Excellent English writing skills; Mandarin or Cantonese reading and speaking skills are a plus.

The work location should be in D.C

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