Foreign journalists in China see 'rapid decline in media freedom' - survey | ABS-CBN
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Foreign journalists in China see 'rapid decline in media freedom' - survey
Foreign journalists in China see 'rapid decline in media freedom' - survey
Reuters
Published Mar 01, 2021 02:09 PM PHT

BEIJING - China used coronavirus prevention measures, intimidation and visa curbs to limit foreign reporting in 2020, ushering in a "rapid decline in media freedom," the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China said Monday.
BEIJING - China used coronavirus prevention measures, intimidation and visa curbs to limit foreign reporting in 2020, ushering in a "rapid decline in media freedom," the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China said Monday.
For the third year in a row, no journalists told the group that working conditions had improved, the FCCC said in an annual report based on 150 responses to a survey of correspondents and interviews with bureau chiefs.
For the third year in a row, no journalists told the group that working conditions had improved, the FCCC said in an annual report based on 150 responses to a survey of correspondents and interviews with bureau chiefs.
"All arms of state power - including surveillance systems introduced to curb coronavirus - were used to harass and intimidate journalists, their Chinese colleagues and those whom the foreign press sought to interview," it said.
"All arms of state power - including surveillance systems introduced to curb coronavirus - were used to harass and intimidate journalists, their Chinese colleagues and those whom the foreign press sought to interview," it said.
Authorities cited public health concerns to deny reporters access to sensitive areas and threatened them with enforced quarantine, it added. Visa restrictions were also used to put pressure on reporting.
Authorities cited public health concerns to deny reporters access to sensitive areas and threatened them with enforced quarantine, it added. Visa restrictions were also used to put pressure on reporting.
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At least 13 correspondents were given press credentials valid for 6 months or less, the FCCC said. Foreign reporters based in China typically receive 1-year visas and must renew them annually.
At least 13 correspondents were given press credentials valid for 6 months or less, the FCCC said. Foreign reporters based in China typically receive 1-year visas and must renew them annually.
Journalists were also used as "pawns" in China's diplomatic disputes, it added.
Journalists were also used as "pawns" in China's diplomatic disputes, it added.
China expelled more than a dozen foreign journalists at US media organizations in 2020, amid a series of tit-for-tat actions between the countries. Washington also slashed the number of journalists permitted to work in the United States at 4 major Chinese state-owned media outlets.
China expelled more than a dozen foreign journalists at US media organizations in 2020, amid a series of tit-for-tat actions between the countries. Washington also slashed the number of journalists permitted to work in the United States at 4 major Chinese state-owned media outlets.
In September, Australia helped 2 of its foreign correspondents leave China after they were questioned by the country's state security ministry.
In September, Australia helped 2 of its foreign correspondents leave China after they were questioned by the country's state security ministry.
Journalists reporting from far western Xinjiang, where China has been accused of large-scale human rights abuses, encountered especially intense harassment, the report said.
Journalists reporting from far western Xinjiang, where China has been accused of large-scale human rights abuses, encountered especially intense harassment, the report said.
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Both remain in detention.
Both remain in detention.
Some Reuters journalists are members of the FCCC.
Some Reuters journalists are members of the FCCC.
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