Author: Barry D. Wood

Barry D. Wood is a writer, teacher and journalist in Washington, DC. His focus is the global economy and financial markets. He has reported from 60 countries and specializes in US China relations, Eastern Europe and Southern Africa. His 2017 book is Exploring New Europe, A Bicycle Journey.
China

Joe Hatfield Built Walmart into a Powerhouse in China

Visiting Walmart’s Super Center in Shenzhen in 2005 and meeting the company’s Asia chief Joe Hatfield remains a reporting highlight. I arrived a short time before the store’s 7 a.m. opening and found Hatfield waiting for me with two associates.  Rail thin, chain smoking, he wore a shirt and tie but no jacket. The name tag on his shirt pocket said simply, “Joe.” We sat … Continue reading Joe Hatfield Built Walmart into a Powerhouse in China

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Hong Kong Media Reshaped by Dismissals, Audits and Red Lines

Nikkei Asia July 1, 2025 The national security law has dramatically altered Hong Kong media. KENSAKU IHARA July 1, 2025 11:07 JST HONG KONG — Barry Wood, an international economics correspondent for Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), received an unexpected call on May 22 that brought his three-decade career at the broadcaster to an abrupt end. The 81-year-old journalist, based in Washington, said RTHK’s news … Continue reading Hong Kong Media Reshaped by Dismissals, Audits and Red Lines

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Hong Kong Listener Feedback

Since Barry was dismissed after 16 years as a contract employee at RTHK, several listeners have sent comments. Here are some of them. Listener Feedback on Barry’s Dismissal from RTHK (Readers may be aware that on May 22, 2025 I was dismissed as a three-times per week commentator on RTHK, which has been the respected government-run broadcaster in Hong Kong.  No reason was given. I have … Continue reading Hong Kong Listener Feedback

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