US accuses China of 'harassing' foreign journalists over denial of press cards

United States on September 8 slammed China after it refused to issue press credentials to at least five foreign journalists. United States accused Communist state of "harassing" and "threatening" foreign journalists, particularly those working for American media organisations. 

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US Department of State spokesperson Morgan Ortagus in a statement said that Chinese foreign ministry has informed US embassy in China of new curbs it imposed on foreign journalists by denying m press cards and refusing to process pending visa applications of those who were expelled earlier this year. 

Ortagus in her statement furr accused Bejing of threatening and harassing foreign journalists saying that record goes back decades. 

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latest action of Chinese Communist Party was also confirmed by Foreign Correspondents' Club of China (FCCC) on September 7. FCCC in its report said that Chinese authorities have weaponised visas against foreign press by issuing truncated press credentials and expelling journalists through n-renewal. 

FCCC said that China expelled a record 17 foreign journalists by cancelling press credentials in 2020 alone. association said that state harassment of press corps extends to China’s own citizens as well. As per survey conducted by FCCC, 82% of reporters experienced interference or harassment or violence while reporting in 2019. 

report says that China still seeks to keep certain areas off-limits to reporters, despite official policy to contrary. It said that 94% of those who tried to report from Xinjiang province, where China is allegedly holding mirity Uighur Muslims in detention camps, were told journalism was restricted or prohibited. 48% surveyed experienced such problems reporting in industrial areas.

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Reciprocal action

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities say that move is just a reciprocal action taken to mirror curbs placed on its reporters in United States under Donald Trump. It particularly mentioned move by Trump administration that curtailed visas for Chinese journalists to 90 days. 

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