Michelle Ye
Michelle Ye Hee Lee is a journalist with expertise in covering Asian politics, particularly Japan and the Koreas. She currently serves as The Washington Post's Tokyo bureau chief and has previously worked for The Arizona Republic and The Washington Post's Fact Checker team. With a BA in international studies and English from Emory University, she is dedicated to providing accurate, insightful reporting on the topics she covers. In her role as Tokyo bureau chief for The Washington Post, Michelle Ye Hee Lee has provided extensive coverage of China-Philippines disputes in the South China Sea, Russia's involvement in North Korea and Ukraine conflicts, and Japan's evolving relationships with both the United States and China. Through her work, she consistently delivers unique insights into Asian political dynamics while maintaining a focus on uncovering biases, logical fallacies, deception or conflicts of interest.
96%
The Daily's Verdict
This author is known for its high journalistic standards. The author strives to maintain neutrality and transparency in its reporting, and avoids conflicts of interest. The author has a reputation for accuracy and rarely gets contradicted on major discrepancies in its reporting.
Bias
88%
Examples:
- Beijing is celebrating its successful world-first mission to collect samples from the far side of the moon, saying U.S. efforts to deter China can't keep it from making 'giant steps' in space.
- Kim extolled the 'firm alliance' with Moscow and openly backed Putin’s war against Ukraine, the strongest support for Russia’s invasion from any foreign leader.
- Putin is seeking partners who share his anti-Western stance, including China, Iran and North Korea.
Conflicts of Interest
100%
Examples:
- Beijing is a major power in Asia and has vested interests in maintaining good relations with countries like China.
- Russia denied allegations that it is an international spoiler when it comes to nuclear nonproliferation and ballistic missile enforcement norms.
Contradictions
91%
Examples:
- Both sides agreed to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement without conceding territorial claims.
- China plans to establish a research facility at the lunar south pole.
- China retrieved 1,935.6 grams of lunar samples from the moon’s far side.
- The pair are expected to pledge public support for each other during the visit.
- Tsai Ing-wen reached her two-term limit and stepped down as president.
Deceptions
100%
Examples:
- The author claims that Russia’s veto on extending the U.N panel monitoring North Korea sanctions was a routine annual vote and signified global opposition to North Korea’s expansion of its nuclear weapons program and violations of international sanctions.
Recent Articles
Philippines and China Reach Temporary Agreement over Contested South China Sea Shoal
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024The South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines reaches a temporary resolution as both sides agree to allow Filipino supply deliveries to their naval vessel at Second Thomas Shoal. Tensions escalated when Chinese forces seized Philippine navy boats, leading to diplomatic protests through the UN. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr reaffirmed his country's territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea during his state of the nation address. The details of this arrangement are undisclosed, but it may serve as a potential model for resolving China's disputes with other governments. 
China Makes History: First Country to Retrieve Samples from the Moon's Far Side
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024China made history on June 25, 2024, by becoming the first country to retrieve samples from the far side of the moon. The Chang'e-6 lunar probe landed in Inner Mongolia after a two-month mission to collect soil and rocks from this unexplored lunar region. 
Putin's Surprise Visit to North Korea: A New Strategic Partnership and Its Implications
Broke On: Tuesday, 18 June 2024Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a strategic partnership pact during Putin's June 2024 visit to Pyongyang, marking their strongest connection since the end of the Cold War. The agreement includes mutual aid if either country faces aggression and promises unspecified technological help from Russia to North Korea, potentially enhancing its ability to target adversaries. Kim openly supported Putin's war against Ukraine during the summit, providing him with significant foreign backing amid international isolation. 
Putin's Unexpected Journey: Visiting Kim Jong Un Amid Military Cooperation and Economic Struggles
Broke On: Monday, 17 June 2024Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un, marking the first such trip since 2000. They are expected to discuss military cooperation, economic ties, and technology exchange. Putin seeks munitions for Ukraine war from North Korea's stockpile, while Pyongyang aims to access advanced Russian technology for its nuclear and satellite programs. 
Chinese Premier Li Qiang Calls for Economic Cooperation at Upcoming Trilateral Summit with Japan and South Korea Amid Tensions
Broke On: Monday, 27 May 2024Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Prime Minister, and South Korean President will meet for the first time in five years on May 27, 2024. Amidst tensions over trade disputes and North Korea's nuclear weapons program, they aim to boost economic cooperation during the summit. Li urged Japan and South Korea to reject protectionism and expand market access in China. Despite ongoing tensions between China and South Korea over U.N. sanctions on North Korea, experts view this meeting as a positive sign for cooperation among Northeast Asian neighbors. New Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Sworn In Amidst China Tensions: Maintaining Stability and Boosting Security
Broke On: Monday, 20 May 2024Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, took office on May 20, 2024, amidst tensions with China. Lai pledged to maintain stability and beef up Taiwan's security through imports of advanced fighters and regional partnerships. He inherits progressive policies from Tsai Ing-wen, including universal health care and support for minority groups. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory but Lai supports maintaining the status quo and possible talks. During Tsai's tenure, Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage but faced criticism for lack of investment in rapid testing during the pandemic. 
Russia Vetoes UN Resolution on North Korea Sanctions Amid Increased Reliance on Russia in Ukraine Conflict
Broke On: Friday, 29 March 2024Russia has vetoed a UN resolution renewing an independent panel investigating North Korea's sanctions violations, citing the regime's increasing reliance on Russia for weapons and support in its conflict with Ukraine. The Russian ambassador to the UN argued that the sanctions regime was irrelevant and detached from reality, while also claiming that a US-led coalition wanted to strangle Pyongyang's economy to weaken Russia's position in Ukraine.