China detains Australian TV anchor on 'national security grounds' amid soaring tensions

Amid soaring tensions between Australia and China, Chinese authorities have detained a high-profile Australian TV anchor working for its state media on “national security grounds”. Issuing first statement after detention of CGTN anchor Cheng Lei, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that latest steps by authorities, that are expected to deteriorate relations between both nations, were taken as “compulsory measures” against her suspicion of “criminal activity endangering China’s national security”. 

Without providing furr details on allegations against journalist leading to her detention, Zhao reportedly said that case against Australian TV anchor is still in process of investigation in accordance with Chinese law. He also added that Cheng’s legal rights, as well as rights, are all being fully protected legally. 

Cheng used to conduct interviews with international CEOs for Chinese state media’s Global Business and BizTalk branches. Even though Australian diplomats were able to communicate with TV anchor on August 27, she has t been spotted in public since her detention.

Triggered by fears of Cheng Lei’s detention, two or Australian reporters Bill Birtles and Michael Smith reportedly fled China overnight. But, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson assured that as long as foreign journalists “obey law” y would have reason to worry. Meanwhile, Smith’s employer, Australian Financial Review reported that journalists had been told y were “persons of interest” in an investigation into Cheng. 

Cheng is only second high-profile Australian national to be arrested in Beijing after writer Yang Hengjun who was arrested in January 2019 on suspicion of espion. Meanwhile, Australia had cautioned its citizens travelling to China saying that y face risk of facing arbitrary detention. 

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China imposes new visa restrictions

Even though Zhao has said that new restrictions introduced are t aimed at hindering American media in nation, latest anuncement by Chinese authorities affected many journalists. According to reports, in last week, during routine renewal of ir press credentials, that are traditionally valid for a year, numerous journalists received a letter saying that ir applications were being processed. Instead of receiving new press card, journalists were advised to carry letter along with ir expired card as proof of ir journalistic identity. 

However, since Chinese visas are connected to press cards of journalists, y were issued a new visa which is valid only for nearly two months. A time span significantly less than that of 12 months. Chinese authorities have reportedly also made it evident that se temporary press credentials can be revoked at any instance. This has furr impacted journalists, mostly American, who are stuck in a limbo of t kwing how long y would remain in country. 

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