China Virtually Expels US Journalists... Media Retaliation War

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] The Chinese government has effectively expelled journalists from three American media outlets.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 18th, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement early that day that American journalists from The New York Times (NYT), The Washington Post (WP), and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) stationed in China whose press credentials expire this year must notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within 4 days and return their press credentials within 10 days. It was also stated that they will not be allowed to work as journalists not only in mainland China but also in Hong Kong and Macau.

Foreign journalists in China must renew their press credentials annually, and visas are issued based on these credentials. Ordering American journalists to return their press credentials effectively prevents them from conducting reporting activities in China and constitutes a de facto expulsion measure by China.

China also announced that the China bureaus of five media outlets?NYT, WP, WSJ, Voice of America (VOA), and Time magazine?must submit written reports on the number of employees in China, financial and operational status, and real estate holdings. Additionally, China pointed out that since the U.S. has imposed discriminatory measures against Chinese journalists regarding visas, administrative reviews, and reporting, China will take additional "reciprocal measures" against American journalists.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced three measures, stating, "These are necessary and reciprocal responses to the unreasonable suppression forcibly imposed by the U.S. to pressure Chinese media outlets in the United States," and "We solemnly request negotiations regarding the U.S. side's mistakes and express firm opposition and strong condemnation."

Chinese media such as Xinhua News Agency and Global Times have also clearly stated that China's recent measures are retaliatory in nature, responding to the U.S. restricting normal reporting activities of Chinese media and imposing discrimination and political pressure on Chinese media.

In a separate editorial, Xinhua News Agency stated, "In February, the U.S. Department of State designated five Chinese state-owned media outlets, including Xinhua News Agency, CGTN, China Radio International, and China Daily, as 'foreign missions' under the control of the Chinese government. It also limited the number of Chinese employees in Chinese media." It pointed out that "What the U.S. should do immediately is to correct its discriminatory mistakes against Chinese media and guarantee their legitimate rights and interests."

Chinese media designated as 'foreign missions' in the U.S. must register their assets in the U.S. and obtain prior approval when acquiring new assets. They must also submit a list of all employees, including U.S. citizens.

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