FM condemns US for taking Chinese journalists hostage, urges visa issuance

The Chinese Foreign Ministry slammed the US State Department spokesperson for calling so-called visa limitations on US journalists in China as a “reciprocal” move against the Trump administration’s suppression of Chinese journalists in the US, calling it totally groundless and saying the US is blaming others when it should be blaming itself.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the comments at a routine press conference on Monday. He pointed out that press credential extension applications for journalists with US media outlets, including CNN, are being processed, for them to continue to live and work in China. “And we have informed the US on the matter.”

The spokesperson’s remarks came after a CNN report painted a false picture that Beijing is cutting a year-long visa extension for journalists with US media working in China to two months. The report cited David Stilwell, the US State Department’s Assistant Secretary for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, who called it a “reciprocal measure” to the US’ treatment of Chinese journalists in the US.

The US has come to a “hysteria” state of mind, increasing political suppression against Chinese media. On August 6, the visas of all Chinese journalists expired. They followed the US requirement and applied for an extension. However, none of them have received a specific answer from the authorities, which disrupts their legitimate work, impairs Chinese media’s reputation, and jeopardizes normal exchanges between the two countries, Zhao said.

Zhao said that since 2018, about 30 Chinese journalists have had such an experience. In March, the US expelled 60 Chinese journalists. It announced that visas for Chinese journalists only last for 90 days starting from May 8.

The US is biased in its treatment of Chinese media, and takes Chinese journalists in the US as hostages, while flaunting freedom of the press, which reflects double standards and hegemonic bullying tactics, Zhao said.