US-China Clash Over Press Freedom Debate This Time

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The US and China are clashing over press freedom following their trade dispute.

On the 19th (local time), US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo strongly criticized China for effectively expelling three Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporters based in Beijing over critical columns related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a statement released that day, Secretary Pompeo said, "The United States condemns China's expulsion of three WSJ foreign correspondents," adding, "A mature and responsible nation understands the free press that reports facts and expresses opinions," and pointed out, "The proper response is to present opposing arguments, not to suppress speech."

Secretary Pompeo further raised the issue of press freedom in China, stating, "We hope that Chinese people also enjoy the freedom of the press and access to accurate information that Americans do."

This was in response to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang's briefing that day, announcing, "Starting today, the press credentials of three WSJ reporters based in Beijing will be revoked." The fact that the statement came from the Secretary of State indicates the significant importance the US places on this incident.

There is also speculation that this Chinese measure is a response to the US's regulation of Chinese state media imposed the day before. On the 18th, the US State Department designated five Chinese state media outlets, including Xinhua News Agency, CGTN, China Radio International, and China Daily, as foreign missions.

These media outlets must register their current assets in the US and obtain prior approval before acquiring new assets, as well as submit a list of all employees, including US citizens.

The US regulation was decided on the grounds that Chinese President Xi Jinping is tightening media control, but from China's perspective, it appears they could not simply watch the US's check on President Xi without responding.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.