James Kynge

James Kynge is a multi-award-winning journalist, author, and keynote speaker, renowned for his expertise in China’s economy, technology, and global influence. With over three decades of experience covering Asia’s geopolitical and economic transformations, James has built a reputation as one of the most authoritative voices on China’s rise as a global superpower. He was the Europe-China Correspondent at The Financial Times (2024) and previously served as Associate Editor and Global China Editor (2022). His acclaimed book, 'China Shakes the World' (2006), won the Financial Times & Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award, cementing his status as a leading expert on China’s economic expansion.

James began his career as a journalist with Reuters, covering key developments such as post-Soviet Central Asia’s transformation and Japan’s deflation crisis. He joined the Financial Times in 1998 as China Bureau Chief, a role he held until 2005. During this time, he reported on some of the most defining moments in modern Chinese history, including the Tiananmen Square aftermath, China’s WTO accession, and the Asian financial crisis. Fluent in Mandarin, his deep cultural understanding and on-the-ground reporting across China, Europe, and Africa have given him unparalleled insights into China’s geopolitical ambitions and economic strategies.

Throughout his distinguished career, James has led significant research initiatives, including serving as Principal of China Confidential (2009), a proprietary research division of the Financial Times Group focused on China’s financial markets. His expertise in economic trends earned him the title of Financial Journalist of the Year (2016) by the Wincott Foundation. Most recently, James produced a 15-episode podcast series for FT Tech Tonic (2023), which explored China’s rapid technological advancements and their impact on the global economy. This project forms the basis of his upcoming audiobook, 'Global Tech Wars: China’s Race to Dominate'.

As a keynote speaker, James Kynge delivers compelling, data-driven insights on China’s rise in technology, economic challenges, and global strategy. His ability to translate complex financial and geopolitical shifts into engaging, thought-provoking narratives makes him a highly sought-after speaker for corporations, governments, and think tanks. His expertise helps organisations understand how China’s economic trajectory and technological dominance will shape the future of global business and trade.