Within 50 minutes of China’s announcement that it had commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the AP was out with an analytical story, complete with visuals and explanatory graphics, marking a major milestone in China’s efforts to match U.S. naval power.
Anticipating the moment, the team began preparing months earlier after unconfirmed reports suggested the Fujian might be commissioned this year. Bangkok-based reporter David Rising worked with Nieman fellow Albee Zhang in Washington to draft and edit the alert and mainbar. The graphics team had already developed key visual elements ahead of time: Kevin Vineys produced a comparative chart showing Chinese and U.S. naval capabilities, while Will Jarrett designed a map illustrating how the new carrier’s reach extends toward U.S. bases in Guam.
Thanks to advance planning and cross-regional coordination, the AP delivered in-depth, visual-first coverage that went well beyond the headlines as soon as the news broke via Chinese state media.
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