A Conversation with Lihui Zhang: The Future of Independent Journalism

Written by Charlotte Johnson

Lihui Zhang, president and founding member of Caixin Media, is a distinguished leader in global journalism and business with two decades of experience navigating the complexities of news media. With 15 years of consistent professionalism, Caixin has become China’s most trusted voice, renowned for its independent reporting. In 2011, it was honored with the Shorenstein Journalism Award from the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center for its unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity. As anti-globalization and protectionist tendencies intensify, Zhang's commitment to transparency and open access to information has never been more important.

Today, she joins us to discuss the challenges facing global news reporting, the need for accurate international journalism, and her latest venture—an AI-driven Asian news aggregation platform aimed at breaking through political and linguistic barriers to deliver uncensored, real-time news on Asia to the U.S. and the rest of the world.

Ms. Zhang, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. You've built an impressive news reporting platform with Caixin Media, guiding it to international acclaim. The New York Times called Caixin "an intrepid Chinese magazine well known for unusually bold investigations," while The Economist described it as "one of China's more outspoken media organizations." Could you share what inspired your commitment to independent journalism, especially in what some consider a restrictive media environment?

Thank you. Caixin's team has always prioritized delivering truthful, transparent reporting, especially in regions where information is tightly controlled or censored. Building on that foundation, we have developed a sustainable business model driven by advertising, events, and most importantly, subscriptions. In recent years, with rising international tensions and the spread of anti-globalization policies, independent news has become even more crucial. Without open information channels, there's a risk of misunderstandings escalating into larger conflicts. Independent journalism serves as a bridge, and it's something we must protect. I've always believed in its power to foster compassion, understanding, and new perspectives. It's about real people and their lives, and I think that's what makes it so vital.

That's especially important in today's media climate, where misinformation is a growing concern around the world. You're now working on a new AI-driven platform focused on Asian news. Can you tell us how this platform will address the challenges you've mentioned?

I hope it helps change minds and attitudes toward Asia. Asia is a key driver of global economic growth, yet accurate information about the region is often limited or comes with a bias. This platform will give U.S. business leaders, policymakers, and educators the insights they need to make informed decisions and understand the region more deeply. Beyond that, it's about strengthening cultural understanding. By offering a clearer picture of Asia's political and economic landscape, we hope to bridge the growing divide between East and West, especially at a time when open dialogue is so important.

That sounds like a much needed resource, especially given Asia's political and economic complexity. What impact do you see this platform having on U.S. audiences?

Asia is a key driver of global economic growth, yet accurate information about the region is often limited or comes with a bias. This platform will give U.S. business leaders, policymakers, and educators the insights they need to make informed decisions and understand the region more deeply. Beyond that, it's about strengthening cultural understanding. By offering a clearer picture of Asia's political and economic landscape, we hope to bridge the growing divide between East and West at a time when open dialogue is so important.

You've touched on the challenges of reporting from Asia. How do you see the current media environment between the U.S. and China?

It's become increasingly difficult for journalists to report between the U.S. and China. With rising trade tensions and stricter visa restrictions, fewer professional reporters can provide unbiased, on-the-ground coverage. This lack of representation allows misinformation to thrive—especially on social media, where speculation and broad generalizations dominate the conversation. That's where platforms like ours are critical. We aim to offer a reliable, verified voice that fills this gap. We want to ensure that Asia's stories are told accurately, without distortion, by its people.

AI features prominently in your new platform. How do you see AI shaping the future of journalism overall?

AI has enormous potential when used responsibly. It can streamline how news is gathered, analyzed, and distributed—allowing journalists to focus more on quality, in-depth reporting while AI handles data collection and real-time monitoring. For our platform, AI's translation and personalization capabilities are what make it groundbreaking. We hope it will help overcome language barriers, making news from across Asia accessible to a broader audience, including within Asia itself. But, like any tool, AI needs to be paired with good ethical judgment and responsible oversight. Journalists still play the most important role in shaping the stories, providing a voice, and representing themselves in their reporting.

You've been a driving force behind independent journalism at Caixin, and now with this new platform. What motivates you as you move forward with this new venture?

It's a deep belief in truth and transparency. We're all interconnected, and without access to accurate information, it's impossible to understand the complexities of global events. With this platform, I see an opportunity to give people in the U.S. and beyond a resource to better understand Asia—its culture, politics, and place in the world. And the U.S. is really the ideal place to launch this venture. It's a country that values freedom of speech and has unparalleled expertise and resources—leading AI experts, world-class journalists, and a news media environment that fosters innovation. More than anything, I'm driven by a desire to nurture informed global dialogue and continue the work I've always believed in: telling people the truth, no matter how difficult it may be.

Thank you, Ms. Zhang, for your time and your invaluable insights. We look forward to seeing the incredible impact of your new platform.

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