Abstract: Based on Strauss's model of cultural standing in expression of opinion, the paper conducted an analysis of the New York Times editorials on controversial issues concerning China. The analysis reveals that, in statement of core argument, the editorials employ either overt or covert dialogic modes of debatable standing, with the similar attempt of convincing the readers. The paper shows that the distinction of different dialogic modes may bring a clearer understanding of the real voices uttered by the media.