Scott Tong

Correspondent

SHORT BIO

Scott Tong is a former correspondent for Marketplace. He reported on sustainability issues (energy, climate, environment, resources) for Marketplace, as well as the U.S.-China technology relationship, frequently described as “fraught.” He is Marketplace’s former China bureau chief.

What was your first job?

English-language audiotape (yes, tape) voice-over work. Sixth grade.Taiwan.

What advice do you wish someone had given you before you started this career?

Show up an hour before the interview.

Fill in the blank: Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you ______.

Gas for kid carpools; Washington Capitals hockey tickets.

What is something that everyone should own, no matter how much it costs?

Smoker (plus wooden slotted spoon).

What’s your most memorable Marketplace moment?

Sneaking into Burma for twenty bucks.

Latest Stories (1,339)

North Korea agrees to de-nuke

Feb 13, 2007
Just four months after it tested a nuclear bomb, North Korea has agreed to shut down its main nuclear reactor and eventually dismantle its atomic weapons program. Seems economic sanctions may have done the trick.

U.S. takes new steps in North Korea talks

Feb 8, 2007
As part of their six-party negotiations with North Korea, the U.S. may be considering easing some banking sanctions. Kai Ryssdal talks with Marketplace's Scott Tong from Shanghai about the ongoing talks.

Talking about North Korea again

Feb 8, 2007
The on-again, off-again talks over North Korea and nukes are on again with renewed signs of optimism. Namely that Washington may unfreeze bank assets of Pyongyang leaders if they're ready to talk disarmament.

What will China do for Africa?

Jan 30, 2007
Chinese President Hu Jintao's trip to Africa today affirms the fast-growing economic ties between the two countries. But financial success also means more political responsibility for China. Scott Tong reports from Shanghai.

China's car of choice? Buick!

Jan 25, 2007
Scott Tong reports from Marketplace's new Shanghai bureau about an alternative universe in China's auto industry.

Gears turn slowly for banks in China

Dec 11, 2006
When China joined the World Trade Organization five years ago, Beijing agreed to open its banking industry to foreign competition. But Western banks complain it's moving at a grinding pace. Scott Tong reports.

Putting cotton back on the table

Oct 25, 2006
The Doha Round of global trade talks might be dead, but some countries are still looking for ways to level the playing field. Today, U.S. and African officials meet to talk about cotton subsidies. Scott Tong reports.

Has the GOP lost its aim?

Oct 23, 2006
The economic arrows are all pointing the right directions: GDP is up. Dow's way up. Gas prices are down, so is unemployment. So why do so many people think Republicans will miss their target this election year? Scott Tong reports.

We want your vote — and we'll pay for it

Oct 19, 2006
In all likelihood, a campaign office somewhere has an electronic file with your personal voting and spending habits as political consultants take a page from the marketing pros' handbook. Scott Tong looks at how they get all that info.

K Street courting liberals (just in case)

Oct 17, 2006
Election Day is three weeks away and the political winds seem to be blowing in a "lefterly" direction. In Washington, lobbying firms are already prepping for the Democrats' possible return to relevance, Scott Tong reports.