China detains & cuts off Australian journalist at its mouthpiece; Canberra tight-lipped

A Chinese-born Australian journalist for CGTN, English-langu channel of China Central Television, has been detained in China, Australia's government said on Monday. "Australian officials h a consular visit via video link with Cheng Lei at a detention facility last Thursday," Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement. y will continue to provide assistance and support to her and her family, Payne said. 

'Residential surveillance at a designated location'

Australia h been informed by Chinese authorities on August 14 of her detention but me its first public statement on Monday. Australia has t said why she was detained. "Furr comment will t be provided owing to government's privacy obligations," Payne said.

According to a report by ABC, friends became concerned when Cheng did t reply to messs in recent weeks, fuelling speculation among her Chinese state media colleagues. She has t been charged but is being held under what is called "residential surveillance at a designated location", a form of detention in which investigators can imprison and question a suspect for up to six months while cutting m off from lawyers and outside world.

Her family in a statement said y are in touch with Department of Foreign Affairs and tre and doing everything to support her.

Australia-China's strained relations

Australia in July warned its citizens of a risk of arbitrary detention in China, as relations between free tre partners have plunged in recent years. China dismissed warning as disinformation. Australia has criticized China for charging Chinese-Australian spy velist Yang Hengjun with espion in March.

RE | Pranab Mukherjee (1935-2020): Career highlights as 2-time EAM, FM & 'Citizen' President

Australian Karm Gilespie was sentenced to death in China in June, seven years after he was arrested and charged with attempting to board an international flight with more than 7.5 kilograms (16.5 pounds) of methamphetamine. Some observers suspect that such a severe sentence so long after crime was related to bilateral rift.

RE | Beijing warns Czech Republic of ‘heavy price’ for challenging ‘one-China’ policy

Cheng is an anchor for BizAsia program. She was born in China and worked in finance in Australia before returning to China and starting a career in journalism with CCTV in Beijing in 2003. She has reported on major Chinese events including Beijing's 2008 Olympics and Shanghai's 2010 World Expo.

RE | Nikhil Chinapa raises 'red flag' on Akshay Kumar's , says 'let me try and fix tweet'

RE | Taiwan says China lacks 'military prowess' to launch a full assault on island nation

(With ncy inputs)