Simone McCarthy,
Simone McCarthy is a journalist with a strong focus on China and its foreign affairs. She currently serves as the Senior China Writer for CNN Digital Worldwide, based in Hong Kong. Prior to joining CNN, she covered China and health security at the South China Morning Post, where she was awarded at the WAN-IFRA Asia Media Awards in 2021 for her coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic and China's response to the outbreak. McCarthy has also contributed to SupChina, a US-based outlet, where she wrote feature stories on social trends and technology from Shanghai. She is well-versed in Mandarin Chinese, having studied at Shanghai Jiaotong University, Beijing's Tsinghua University, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Biography:
https://www.cnn.com/profiles/simone-mccarthy
78%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
90%
Examples:
- McCarthy frequently reports on China's foreign affairs, particularly its relationships with North Korea and Russia. In these articles, she tends to emphasize the 'new level' of ties between the countries, without delving into potential conflicts of interest or deceptive practices.
- Simone McCarthy has a strong pro-China slant in her reporting. She often highlights China's diplomatic efforts and downplays any contradictions or conflicts of interest.
Conflicts of Interest
95%
Examples:
- Her past work as a contributor to SupChina, a US-based outlet, is not mentioned in her biography.
- McCarthy often reports on China's foreign affairs without disclosing potential conflicts of interest. For example, she covered China and health security at the South China Morning Post during the Covid-19 pandemic and was honored at the WAN-IFRA Asia Media Awards in 2021.
Contradictions
85%
Examples:
- In an article about Putin's visit to North Korea, McCarthy contradicts herself by stating that Russia needs weapons from North Korea due to its invasion of Ukraine floundering and also mentioning that North Korea has munitions in abundance.
- She also mentions Moscow possibly violating international sanctions to aid Pyongyang's development of its nascent military satellite program, but does not explore this point further.
Deceptions
45%
Examples:
- In some of her articles, McCarthy includes deceptive practices such as downplaying the animosity between China and Taiwan or omitting key details about Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- She also makes misleading statements like claiming that Beijing staged major military exercises encircling Taiwan in response to its inauguration, when it was actually a show of force following increased support for Taiwanese independence.
Recent Articles
Palestinian Factions Unite in Beijing: Skepticism and Divided Public Opinion Amid Ongoing Conflict
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah signed a unity agreement in Beijing amidst skepticism and divided public opinion, with recent polls indicating continued support for Hamas' violent struggle against Israel. 
Palestinian Factions Hamas and Fatah Sign Unity Agreement in Beijing: A New Chapter for Palestinian Governance?
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah signed a unity agreement in Beijing, brokered by China, aiming to end their division and strengthen Palestinian unity. The deal includes post-Gaza war governance and the establishment of a provisional national reconciliation government. However, Hamas' role in this new government remains unclear amidst Israeli leadership's vow to eradicate Hamas following October 2023 terrorist attack. China, a leading voice for Palestinian statehood, presented itself as an impartial mediator. 
Putin and Kim Sign Mutual Defense Pact: Russia-North Korea Ties Deepen Amid Concerns Over Weapons Transfers
Broke On: Wednesday, 19 June 2024Russian President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a mutual defense pact in June 2024, pledging assistance in case of aggression. Putin expressed support for North Korea's stance on international obligations and called for UN Security Council sanctions review. In return, Kim endorsed Russia's Ukraine invasion and backed the Russian government. The signing marked a shift in Russia's foreign policy towards North Korea, raising concerns about potential military cooperation and arms transfers. 
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 Defense Minister Warns of 'Self-Destruction' for Taiwan Independence Advocates Amid US-China Tensions
Broke On: Sunday, 02 June 2024Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun delivered a warning at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, stating anyone advocating for Taiwan independence would face 'self-destruction.' Tensions heightened between China and the US over Taiwan, with Dong criticizing Washington's One China policy interference. He emphasized peaceful reunification but warned of consequences for separatist forces. Dong also addressed South China Sea tensions, urging respect for Chinese sovereignty.