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Tracy Wen Liu

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About Tracy
A former auditor turned into an investigative journalist. Writes about China technology, the US-China relationship, and China's propaganda system for the New York Times, Foreign Policy, WIRED, ChinaFile, and other publications.
Contributing US-Correspondent for Deutsche Welle Chinese.
My Chinese articles are published in the New York Times Chinese, VOA, Intium Media, Pengpai News (thePaper.cn), Phoenix New Media, and many more.
Author of five books
Translator of "Everything is F*cked, a Book about Hope", published in China in July 2022.
Winner of Hong Kong Youth Literary Awards
Languages
English French Chinese (Mandarin)
Services
Feature Stories Content Writing Corporate Content
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Skills
Business Finance Politics
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Portfolio

Why this Chinese grandmother makes the world’s best scallion oil noodles, egg fried rice and pork belly

28 Aug 2024  |  South China Morning Post
The article highlights the culinary skills of Chen Suzhen, a Chinese grandmother from Jiangsu province, who is renowned for her scallion oil noodles, egg fried rice, and pork belly. Despite her humble beginnings and the challenges faced during World War II and the Chinese Civil War, Chen Suzhen mastered the art of cooking, creating dishes that are both simple and rich in flavor. Her Shanghai-style scallion oil noodles, a family favorite, are celebrated for their strong, harmonious flavors, achieved through a carefully crafted sauce. The narrative underscores the cultural and familial significance of her cooking.

Inside the ‘Revolt’ When Yale Law Left the Most Important Rankings

27 Dec 2023  |  www.voanews.com
Yale Law School, traditionally ranked No. 1 by US News & World Report, announced it would no longer participate in the rankings, prompting other law schools to decide whether to follow suit or benefit from Yale's absence. Jack Stripling of The Washington Post delves into the covert struggles among these institutions regarding the rankings.

Temu Is Burning Cash to Challenge Shein and Amazon on Black Friday

21 Nov 2023  |  wired.com
Temu, an e-commerce app owned by PDD Holdings, has seen rapid growth in the US and globally, offering deep discounts and heavy advertising to compete with Shein and Amazon. Despite its success, Temu faces significant financial losses, with a projected net loss of 23 billion renminbi for 2023. The company is also dealing with logistical challenges, such as warehouse capacity issues. Temu's aggressive expansion and spending have raised concerns about its long-term profitability. The company is also navigating legal disputes with Shein and addressing potential data security and forced labor criticisms from US government bodies. As the holiday season approaches, Temu is preparing for intense competition, particularly with the entry of TikTok shop into the US market.

Temu Is Burning Cash to Challenge Shein and Amazon on Black Friday

09 Nov 2023  |  www.wired.com
Temu, a subsidiary of Chinese company PDD Holdings, is aggressively expanding its presence in the US and other markets by offering deep discounts and investing heavily in advertising, particularly during Black Friday. Despite its rapid growth and increased sales targets, Temu faces significant financial challenges, including high operational losses and logistical constraints. The company is also navigating legal disputes with competitor Shein and concerns over data security and supply chain ethics. Analysts express concerns about Temu's ability to achieve profitability amidst its high-risk expansion strategy.

Chinese Students, Universities Struggle to Understand Impact of New Florida Law

US Vice President: Banning TikTok 'Not at All the Goal'

08 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stated that the Biden administration does not intend to ban TikTok, despite privacy and national security concerns. The White House is pushing for legislation that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban. The bill has passed the House but awaits Senate approval. ByteDance denies sharing data with the Chinese government. TikTok has a significant user base in the U.S., and many users, including businesses, continue to support the platform despite security concerns. Various governments have banned TikTok on official devices, and India has banned it entirely. Former President Trump had previously attempted to ban TikTok, but his order was revoked by President Biden, who supports the current legislative efforts.

Temu Sellers Are Cloning Amazon Storefronts

04 Oct 2023  |  www.wired.com
Amazon sellers, particularly from China, are finding their product listings, including images and descriptions, cloned on the Temu platform, leading to significant sales drops. Temu, owned by Chinese tech giant PDD, has been accused of intellectual property violations, with sellers struggling to get the infringing content removed. Amazon has condemned such activities and encouraged affected sellers to contact its Counterfeit Crimes Unit. Legal actions have been initiated by some larger sellers, but smaller sellers find it challenging due to resource constraints. Temu is also embroiled in a legal dispute with Shein over marketing practices.

Temu Sellers Are Cloning Amazon Storefronts

04 Oct 2023  |  www.wired.com
Amazon sellers, particularly from China, are finding their product listings, including images and descriptions, duplicated on the Temu platform, leading to significant sales declines. Temu, owned by Chinese tech giant PDD, has not addressed these complaints effectively. Sellers are struggling with the high costs and complexities of legal action, hoping Amazon will intervene. Several lawsuits have been filed against Temu for intellectual property violations, highlighting the broader issue of e-commerce competition and copyright infringement.

China’s ChatGPT Opportunists—and Grifters—Are Hard at Work

03 Oct 2023  |  www.wired.com
In China, the competitive job market has led individuals to explore innovative ways to earn money using ChatGPT, despite its official inaccessibility. Entrepreneurs like David and Yin Yin are leveraging the AI for essay writing and product descriptions, while others like Shirley have written entire books. Influencers such as Yizhou Li and Yang Yi are capitalizing on the trend by offering courses and advice on using ChatGPT. However, making a substantial income remains challenging, as evidenced by Vince Liang's struggle to meet his financial goals using the AI. The article highlights the burgeoning ecosystem around ChatGPT in China, encompassing various sectors from education to ecommerce.

China Faces Record High Unmarried Rate Among Young People

01 Oct 2023  |  khmer.voanews.com
China is facing significant demographic challenges as its population ages and workforce declines. Over half of Chinese individuals aged 25 to 29 remain unmarried in 2023, a sharp decline from a decade ago. Economic concerns, high unemployment rates, and changing social attitudes contribute to this trend. Local governments have introduced policies to encourage marriage, but with limited success. The Chinese government and experts from institutions like California University, Berkeley, highlight the interconnectedness of economic conditions and marriage rates.

TikTok and Amazon Bet on China’s Ecommerce Model. It’s a Dud

01 Oct 2023  |  www.wired.com
Companies like Amazon, TikTok, and Shopify are investing heavily in livestream ecommerce, inspired by its success in China. However, they face significant challenges in the US market due to differences in consumer behavior and market conditions. While Chinese consumers engage with livestreams for entertainment and deals, American consumers prioritize time efficiency and are less inclined to watch long streams. Influencers in the US also prefer independent content creation over agency contracts. Despite some efforts and minor successes, the livestream ecommerce model has yet to gain substantial traction in the US.

Temu Is Losing Millions of Dollars to Send You Cheap Socks

01 Oct 2023  |  www.wired.com
Temu, a Chinese e-commerce platform owned by PDD, is aggressively targeting the US market with extremely low prices and free international shipping, resulting in significant financial losses. The company is losing an average of $30 per order and is pressuring small Chinese manufacturers to cut prices, making it difficult for them to turn a profit. Temu's strategy mirrors PDD's successful market penetration in China but faces challenges in the US, including competition from Amazon, regulatory scrutiny, and potential changes to trade laws. The company plans to spend billions on advertising to expand its customer base but is struggling to maintain sustainable supply chain practices.

The party’s over for Chinese venture capitalists in Silicon Valley amid souring Sino-US relations

05 Aug 2023  |  South China Morning Post
Chinese venture capitalists in Silicon Valley are facing significant challenges due to deteriorating Sino-US relations. The once-thriving investment environment has been stifled by increased US government scrutiny and restrictions, particularly targeting Chinese technology firms like Huawei. The Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 and subsequent regulations have led to a sharp decline in Chinese investments in US start-ups. Many Chinese investors have left the US or are keeping a low profile, while some are shifting their focus to other regions. The Biden administration continues to impose new controls, further straining the relationship. Despite these barriers, some Chinese capital still flows into the US, driven by wealthy individuals seeking to move money abroad amid uncertainties in China.

Chinese VCs Lived the Silicon Valley High Life. Now the Party’s Over

03 May 2023  |  flipboard.com
Chinese venture capitalists, who once thrived in Silicon Valley, are now facing challenges due to the US crackdown on China's tech sector. The article highlights the luxurious lifestyle these investors enjoyed while chasing deals in California, which has now come to an end.

Chinese VCs Lived the Silicon Valley High Life. Now the Party’s Over

03 May 2023  |  wired.com
Chinese venture capitalists, once living a lavish lifestyle in Silicon Valley, are facing a new reality as the US-China relationship deteriorates. The late 2010s saw a surge in Chinese investment in US startups, facilitated by state-linked funds and a welcoming environment. However, the Trump administration's tariffs, investment restrictions, and the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 marked the beginning of a shift. The pandemic and further regulations under the Biden administration have led to a significant drop in Chinese VC investment in the US. Academic collaborations have also been scrutinized, and Chinese tech companies are facing delisting or postponing US market plans. Despite these challenges, some Chinese investors continue to seek opportunities in the US, albeit with a different focus, such as transferring money out of China due to fears of government crackdowns.

Growing Number of Migrants From China Arriving at US-Mexico Border

12 Apr 2023  |  www.voanews.com
Li Xiaosan and his teenage son are among a growing number of Chinese migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border seeking asylum. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a significant increase in Chinese migrants from October 2022 to February 2023. Xiaosan's journey involved traveling through multiple countries and facing dangerous conditions. The U.S., Colombia, and Panama have announced efforts to curb migrant smuggling in the Darien Gap. Xiaosan, a rights activist, fled China due to government threats and is now seeking asylum in the U.S. His story highlights the challenges and motivations of Chinese migrants, including economic conditions and human rights issues in China.

HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies elicited in humans by a prefusion-stabilized envelope trimer form a reproducible class targeting fusion peptide

14 Mar 2023  |  www.cell.com
The study investigates the elicitation of HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies in humans, analyzing B cells from a phase I clinical trial of the 'DS-SOSIP'-stabilized envelope trimer from strain BG505. Two antibodies, N751-2C06.01 and N751-2C09.01, were identified that neutralize the autologous tier-2 strain, BG505. Derived from distinct lineages, these antibodies target the HIV-1 fusion peptide and are highly strain specific due to partial recognition of a BG505-specific glycan hole and binding requirements for BG505-specific residues. The prefusion-stabilized envelope trimers can elicit autologous tier-2 neutralizing antibodies in humans, with the initially identified neutralizing antibodies recognizing the fusion-peptide site of vulnerability.

COVID-Ravaged Chinese Public Is Desperate for Paxlovid

12 Jan 2023  |  Foreign Policy
Since December 2022, China has faced a severe COVID-19 outbreak, overwhelming its zero-COVID policy and leading to critical shortages of medical supplies, including the antiviral drug Paxlovid. Chinese Americans are attempting to send medicine to China, with Paxlovid being highly sought after despite its high cost and limited availability. The Chinese government has been criticized for its handling of the situation, including its decision not to include Paxlovid in the national insurance plan. The disparity in health resources between urban and rural areas has also been highlighted, with rural regions facing significant shortages and underfunding.

The Chinese Public Doesn’t Know Who to Trust Anymore

30 Dec 2022  |  Foreign Policy
The article discusses the growing distrust among the Chinese public towards the government and medical experts in the wake of the country's abrupt shift from strict zero-COVID policies to a more relaxed approach. Personal stories highlight the chaos and suffering in overwhelmed hospitals, with many questioning the reliability of government data and assurances. The narrative underscores the broader issue of eroding public trust in various aspects of Chinese life, exacerbated by inconsistent messaging and perceived mishandling of the pandemic response.

How China Botched the End of Zero-COVID

22 Dec 2022  |  Foreign Policy
China's abrupt end to its zero-COVID policy has led to a surge in COVID-19 cases, overwhelming an unprepared healthcare system. The government failed to use the lockdown period to bolster healthcare infrastructure, leading to shortages of medical supplies and antivirals. Traditional Chinese medicine, promoted by President Xi Jinping, is being used despite questionable efficacy. The public is confused by inconsistent messaging from health authorities, and there is widespread misinformation. Vaccination rates, especially booster shots, are low among the elderly, exacerbating the crisis. The government's reluctance to import effective mRNA vaccines and reliance on traditional medicine have further complicated the situation.

Young Chinese Are Despairing of a Zero-COVID Future

24 Oct 2022  |  Foreign Policy
The article discusses the despair and frustration among young Chinese people due to the country's strict zero-COVID policies. It highlights the impact of these policies on daily life, employment, and mental health. The article also addresses the economic downturn, high youth unemployment rates, and the reluctance to have children. It reflects on the growing desire among young Chinese to leave the country and the increasing difficulty of living under stringent government regulations.

Covid Death of Li Wenliang, the Doctor China Tried to Silence

06 Oct 2022  |  www.nytimes.com
In early 2020, Dr. Li Wenliang, a Wuhan-based doctor who tried to warn about the emerging Covid-19 virus, succumbed to the disease. His death, following government reprimands and isolation, sparked widespread grief and anger in China. The New York Times's investigation, including interviews and medical record reviews, revealed new details about his illness and treatment, showing no evidence of compromised care but highlighting the government's attempts to censor him. Dr. Li's story remains a powerful symbol of frustration with governmental suppression of independent voices.

China Owned My Mother’s Womb. Texas Owns Mine.

28 Jun 2022  |  Foreign Policy
The article juxtaposes the author's experiences with reproductive rights in China and Texas, highlighting the oppressive policies in both regions. It discusses the one-child policy in China, forced sterilizations, and the recent assault on women's rights in Texas following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The author expresses disappointment in the United States, once seen as a beacon of democracy, and emphasizes the ongoing fight for women's rights. The narrative underscores the global struggle for bodily autonomy and gender equality, drawing parallels between state control and societal misogyny in both countries.

Older Chinese Are Demanding Money to Get Vaccinated

11 May 2022  |  Foreign Policy
China's initial decision to prioritize younger populations for COVID-19 vaccination has led to significant challenges as the omicron variant spreads. With a large portion of the elderly still unvaccinated, the government has resorted to mandatory quotas and incentives, including monetary compensation, to increase vaccination rates. However, distrust in vaccines and logistical barriers persist. The Sinovac vaccine, widely used in China, is less effective than Western mRNA vaccines, but political factors prevent the import of these more effective alternatives. The situation underscores the complexities and consequences of China's vaccination strategy.

Shanghai’s Food Shortages Spur Voluntarism and Cynicism

03 May 2022  |  Foreign Policy
Shanghai's COVID-19 lockdown has led to severe food shortages, causing desperation among residents. Social media is filled with accounts of people struggling to find food, with some resorting to eating wild plants. The lockdown, initially less strict, became comprehensive by April 1, trapping residents with limited supplies. Community workers and volunteers are overwhelmed, and grocery delivery apps are unable to meet demand. The Shanghai government and local authorities are criticized for poor planning and distribution, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction and cynicism.

China's Generation Z Has a Lot of Nationalist, Pro

14 Apr 2022  |  Foreign Policy
China's Generation Z, shaped by the country's increasing nationalism and internet censorship, differs significantly from previous generations. While Chinese millennials once viewed the internet as a gateway to the world, today's youth are more insular and nationalistic, largely due to government policies that have restricted free speech and promoted patriotism. This generation is less interested in Western platforms and more comfortable with China's authoritarian system, which they believe has contributed to the country's economic success. Despite some resistance and self-critical discussions on social issues, open dissent is rare and often punished. The phenomenon of 'lying flat'—a passive resistance to relentless work—has also emerged, reflecting a subtle rejection of the system.

Chinese State Media Is Pushing Pro-Russian Misinformation Worldwide

23 Mar 2022  |  Foreign Policy
Chinese state-affiliated media outlets are actively spreading pro-Russian misinformation globally, despite Beijing's claims of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Research indicates that Chinese social media platforms and state media are heavily promoting Kremlin propaganda, including false narratives about U.S. bioweapon experiments in Ukraine. Major Chinese media outlets like CGTN, China Daily, and the Global Times are using Western social media platforms to disseminate these messages, often through paid advertisements. While some recent shifts in Chinese media coverage show more civilian damage in Ukraine, the anti-American and anti-NATO tone remains strong.

China’s Propaganda Over Ukraine Is Shifting and Uncertain

01 Mar 2022  |  Foreign Policy
China's media initially portrayed the Russian invasion of Ukraine in a pro-Russian light, influenced by longstanding anti-U.S. propaganda. However, as the conflict progressed, Chinese media guidelines shifted towards a more neutral stance, though inconsistencies and confusion among reporters persisted. The Chinese government prioritizes domestic stability, avoiding any coverage that could relate Russian events to domestic issues like Taiwan. Despite efforts to appear neutral, Chinese media often disseminates pro-Russian content, influenced by Russian state media. Public sentiment in China remains largely pro-Russian, with significant censorship of anti-war and pro-Ukraine voices.

China’s Growing Censorship Is Training the Public to Be Online Snitches

08 Aug 2021  |  Foreign Policy
China's increasing censorship under Xi Jinping's rule is fostering a culture of online informers who report posts and individuals for unapproved patriotic behavior. This growing censorship affects not only aspiring nationalists but also professionals, marginalized groups, and celebrities. The Chinese state encourages nationalist rhetoric but punishes unapproved actions, leading to a climate of fear and self-censorship. The article highlights various instances of censorship, including the banning of feminist and LGBTQ accounts, and the use of censorship by superfans to protect their favorite celebrities. The overall sentiment towards the Chinese government's actions is negative, with criticism directed at the increasing control over freedom of speech and the impact on various groups and individuals.

A Year On, Wuhan Victims Are Still Scarred and Still Censored

07 Feb 2021  |  Foreign Policy
One year after Wuhan's lockdown due to COVID-19, individuals including doctors and relatives of the deceased continue to grapple with the aftermath and censorship. Whistleblowers like Sun and Ai Fen faced threats and self-blame, while others like Zhang Hai persist in seeking justice despite government suppression. The article highlights the ongoing struggles and unresolved conflicts in Wuhan, contrasting the government's narrative of victory with personal stories of loss and resilience.

Chinese Media Calls Capitol Riot ‘World Masterpiece’

08 Jan 2021  |  Foreign Policy
Chinese state-affiliated media and government organizations used the Capitol riot to criticize US democracy and promote their governance model. The Global Times and the Communist Youth League drew parallels between the Capitol riot and Hong Kong protests, while Chinese netizens celebrated the perceived failure of US democracy. Chinese media guidelines focused on highlighting the damage to the US's global reputation and questioning the viability of democracy. The Chinese government's narrative was bolstered by the Capitol violence, justifying censorship and control of speech as superior governance.

China Media Told to Stay Low-Key on U.S. Election

04 Nov 2020  |  Foreign Policy
Chinese media is focusing more on the delayed listing of Ant Group than the U.S. election due to escalating U.S.-China tensions. Reporters have been instructed to cover the election cautiously to avoid any perception of Chinese interference. Social media in China has been less restrained, with some misinformation spreading. The overall sentiment in China is that the U.S. election is not of significant importance.

The Chinese Public Is Convinced Trump Will Win

03 Nov 2020  |  Foreign Policy
Chinese public opinion heavily favors Donald Trump as the likely winner of the US presidential election, with many viewing his presidency as beneficial for China's rise to power. Trump is often referred to sarcastically as 'the Know-King' due to his perceived failures, particularly in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, Joe Biden receives minimal media coverage and is seen as having little chance of winning. Chinese media and influencers frequently criticize Trump's response to the pandemic, portraying China as a more responsible nation.
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