One young manager from the Chinese company I am presently advising/associated with came up to me one evening in the office after others had left. He basically wanted to know if I knew something on China the government is withholding from him, or "dark news" as he put it.

I responded that it's not what I came here for and that I consider news to be manipulated by lobbyists and spin doctors ( have them in the family ) no matter where. Most journalists I know have big egos and are like spoiled brats because they know how much damage it's possible to do just with one article or TV report.

Oh, and in China and Korea I've heard journos are happy to ask for money on the spot without too much hesitation. Pay up and you will receive.

The only real taboo subject seems to be Mao, btw. Not many friends to be won if you bash him.