The "Gang of Three": A Trio of Filipino Journalists Who Shaped China Coverage

Strategic Insights -

Three former Filipino student activists, Jaime "Jimi" Florcruz, Chito Sta. Romana, and Ericson "Eric" Baculinao, have had a profound impact on China coverage as top-notch international journalists. Their unique experiences, skills, and perspectives have made them experts in China, sought after by Philippine government officials and diplomats for counsel on Sino-related matters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Gang of Three" was formed in 1971 when Jaime, Chito, and Eric, former Filipino student activists, arrived in China for a three-week tour, which turned into a long stay due to their involvement in anti-Marcos activities.
  • The three studied at the Peking Languages Institute, where they renewed ties with the outside world and gained an unconventional education.
  • Each member of the group has a remarkable story to tell: Jimi studied advertising, Chito earned liberal arts and commerce degrees, and Eric graduated cum laude in Political Science.
  • Their stay in China spanned over four decades, witnessing the country's rapid progress, Cultural Revolution, Tiananmen incident, and economic reform.
  • The trio became experts in China, housing extensive knowledge on the country's development, culture, and politics, and received numerous awards and accolades for their work.
  • Jimi is currently the Bureau Chief of CNN, Chito is enjoying his retirement and is a sought-after analyst on Philippines-China relations, and Eric is the Bureau Chief of NBC News Worldwide and won an Emmy Award.

Statistics:

  • Over 40 years, Jimi, Chito, and Eric have been living in China, witnessing its transformation from a backward, isolated nation to a global power.
  • Jimi studied Chinese history at Peking University, earning a B.A. degree, and joined Newsweek in 1980 and Time Magazine in 1982.
  • The three were initially written about under pseudonyms in various newspapers, with Eric writing for the Hong Kong Standard under the pen name Frederick Lee.
  • In 2000-2001, Jimi was an Edward R. Murrow Press Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, researching U.S.-China relations and international affairs.
  • Eric spearheaded NBC's coverage of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, considered China's coming-out party on the world stage.
  • Chito's work in covering China has been recognized by the U.S. National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, winning an Emmy Award in 2000 and earning two nominations in 2001 and 2006.

Sources:

  • (PNA Feature) (THROUGH ASIA PULSE)