Through meticulous source reporting, Didi Tang, Matt Lee and Dake Kang uncovered a little-publicized policy implemented by the departing Biden administration that bars U.S. Embassy staff in China from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens.
The team acted quickly on a tip from one of Kang’s sources. Drawing from their varied experience covering China and U.S. foreign policy, Kang, Tang and Lee collaborated across continents to confirm the details. A blanket ban of this nature had not been seen since the Cold War, when U.S. diplomats were prohibited from dating citizens of Soviet bloc countries.
Recognizing that other news outlets had also been tipped off, Kang reached out to Tang and Lee in Washington. Each reporter independently confirmed the ban within days.
Tang contacted the State Department, members of Congress, and other stakeholders for official comment, while Lee provided additional detail and historical context. The team quickly produced a compelling and exclusive story that illuminated a significant and sensitive shift in U.S. diplomatic policy.
Judges praised the global collaboration and the team’s ability to leverage diverse perspectives to deliver a timely and impactful scoop.
For their careful reporting and demonstration of AP’s international reach, Dake Kang, Matt Lee and Didi Tang win this week’s Best of AP — Second Winner.
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