China announces new measures against US media in latest tit-for-tat

CHINA has required four US media outlets to provide detailed information about their operations in China in the latest tit-for-tat move in a media feud with the Trump administration.

The Associated Press, United Press International, CBS News and National Public Radio are required to disclose information about their staff, finances, operations and real estate in China in the next seven days, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman hao Lijian said during a press briefing Wednesday.

hao said the requirement was a “completely necessary counter-action against the US’ unreasonable suppression of Chinese media agencies” in the United States.

Washington last month ordered that four Chinese state media outlets - China Central Television, the China News Service, the People’s Daily and The Global Times - register as “foreign missions,” facing requirements similar to embassies and consulates in the US.

The two countries have sparred for months over media operations against the background of heightened tensions in areas such as trade, the coronavirus outbreak and Hong Kong’s autonomy.

In March, the US imposed a personnel cap on four Chinese media outlets, forcing them to reduce the number of employees on US territory from 160 to 100. Beijing retaliated by expelling all US journalists working for the New ork Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.

It is unclear whether the four media organizations that are required to disclose information will need to take further action.