Rob Schmitz

Marketplace’s China correspondent, based in Shanghai

Rob Schmitz appears in the following:

TFBoys' 'Go!AMIGO' Is A Summery Slice Of Pop Propaganda

Wednesday, August 09, 2017

In China, the song of summer is by a boy band who cleverly promotes communist values to a fanbase that is mostly composed of kids in rural cities.

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While Corals Die Along The Great Barrier Reef, Humans Struggle To Adjust

Sunday, July 09, 2017

It's the world's biggest coral reef system, home to some 400 types of coral. In the past 18 months, rising ocean temperatures helped cause the single greatest loss of coral ever recorded there.

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Hong Kong Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of Transfer To China

Saturday, July 01, 2017

The 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's transfer to China is being celebrated across the territory. At the same time, the visit by China's president is inspiring protests.

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China's President Celebrates Hong Kong Handover With A Visit To The City

Saturday, July 01, 2017

President Xi Jinping gave a televised speech at an event that was closed to the public, and warned Hong Kong residents that any attempt to challenge the power of China's government is impermissible.

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Morning News Brief: GOP Continues Work On Health Care Bill, JAY-Z Releases New Album

Friday, June 30, 2017

Republican senators are working on revisions to their health care plan. Also, Hong Kong is marking 20 years under Chinese rule, and rapper JAY-Z has a new album.

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How Hong Kong's Banks Turned Chinese

Friday, June 30, 2017

As China celebrates the 20th anniversary of Great Britain's handover of Hong Kong to Chinese control, it can celebrate another type of takeover: the city's financial sector.

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20 Years After Handover, Hong Kong Residents Reflect On Life Under Chinese Rule

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Great Britain returned Hong Kong to China on June 30, 1997. Since then, Beijing has tightened its political grip and income inequality has grown. But not everyone is unhappy with China's impact.

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China's President Visits Hong Kong To Mark 20 Years Of Chinese Rule

Thursday, June 29, 2017

This Saturday Hong Kong and China celebrate the 20th anniversary of the territory's return to China from Great Britain. President Xi Jinping plans to attend the ceremonies.

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On Top Of Hong Kong's High Rises, Rooftop Gardens Take Root

Saturday, June 24, 2017

In one of the most densely populated cities on Earth, a gardening cooperative is helping residents rediscover farming — in the sky.

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Morning News Brief: Senate Republicans Release Health Care Bill, China Vs. Golf

Friday, June 23, 2017

We look at the bill Senate Republicans have unveiled to overhaul U.S. health care. And China's government is cracking down on golf.

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China's Government Tightens Its Grip On Golf, Shuts Down Courses

Friday, June 23, 2017

China has had a complicated history with golf. At one time, the country seemed golf crazy, but it became synonymous with corrupt officials. Once again it is in the crosshairs of China's government.

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Why Is China Snatching Up Australian Farmland?

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

In the past year, Chinese investment in Australia's overall agricultural sector has skyrocketed, from $300 million to $1 billion. It's all to feed the world's largest, fastest-growing consumer class.

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Chinese Businessman Disappears

Thursday, June 15, 2017

The disappearance of one of China's most well-known tycoons is the least of his company's problems. Anbang, the insurance company he has headed, has made very risky investments.

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Australia's Loyalties Are Shifting From The U.S. To China

Friday, June 02, 2017

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visits Australia next week. For decades, Australia has been one of America's strongest allies, but the country is in the midst of a pivot toward China.

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Morning News Brief: U.S. Pulls Out Of International Climate Accord

Friday, June 02, 2017

President Trump played to his base, ignored the advice of scientists, industry titans and world leaders and pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement.

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The State Of The Great Barrier Reef

Thursday, June 01, 2017

A new paper says coral bleaching episodes due to climate change have made irreversible changes to the world's coral reefs. The challenge now is to keep them alive with good governance.

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Scientists Urge Governments To Protect Coral Reefs From Climate Change

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

A paper published in Nature by the world's top scientists says climate change is making irreversible changes to the world's coral reefs, and the role before governments is to steer coral reefs in a way that maintains their biological functions.

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Chinese Investors Among Majority Of EB-5 Visa Recipients

Monday, May 22, 2017

The EB-5 visa grants permanent U.S. residence to anyone investing a half million dollars in a U.S.-based development project. Eighty percent of EB-5 recipients are Chinese. NPR takes a look at why they are applying for these visas.

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A Chinese Border City Gives Tourists A Glimpse Of Life In North Korea

Wednesday, May 03, 2017

From Dandong, across the Yalu River from North Korea, middle-class Chinese tourists can buy North Korean cigarettes and souvenirs, and gaze through binoculars at North Korean farmers plowing fields.

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Morning News Brief: Trump's NAFTA Reversal, The North Korean Border, 'Textalyzer'

Thursday, April 27, 2017

President Trump has reversed course and says he won't withdraw from NAFTA. Also, a view into North Korea from the Chinese border and a proposed software to curb texting while driving.

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