Ted Plafker

Ted Plafker established his distinguished career as a foreign correspondent in Beijing in 1989, reporting extensively on China’s rapidly evolving landscape for numerous international publications. His in-depth coverage appeared in outlets such as the South China Morning Post, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, Science Magazine, The San Francisco Examiner, and The International Herald Tribune. Plafker’s reporting spanned critical areas including China’s business, trade, economic affairs, internal politics, development, security, international relations, and significant cultural shifts. His fluency in Mandarin, alongside proficiency in Russian, Spanish, French, and Swedish, has consistently enabled unparalleled access and analysis in his reporting.

‘Doing Business in China’ offers detailed insights into the complexities of operating within China, covering essential topics such as business ethics, consumer culture, and the intricate political and information environments. Beyond his book, Plafker has contributed numerous analytical articles to prominent news outlets, dissecting subjects like China’s economic stimulus, its historical factions, and its global impact as a textile giant. His expertise has also made him a sought-after voice in broadcast media, exemplified by his appearance on WNYC Studios in 2009 for the program ‘Unrest in China Disrupts a Summit in Italy.’ As a leading Beijing-based foreign correspondent, Plafker maintains his influential role at The Economist, consistently delivering incisive reporting on a nation central to global affairs. His decades of on-the-ground experience, combined with his exceptional linguistic capabilities and comprehensive understanding of China across economic, political, and cultural spheres, position him as an invaluable resource for organizations seeking deep, nuanced insights into the region.