Chinese-Australian CGNT CCTV English Broadcast Channel Anchor Detained

US Business Network CNBC 9-Year China Correspondent Experience
Silent on Reason for Detention by Chinese Government

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 1st that a famous Chinese-Australian anchor of CGTN, the English broadcasting channel of China Central Television (CCTV), has been detained in China for over two weeks.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne stated in a press release the previous day that on the 14th, the Chinese government informed them that CGTN anchor Qing Lei was detained, and on the 27th, Australian officials met Qing Lei via video call at the detention facility.

However, the Australian government did not disclose the reason for Qing Lei's detention, and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not comment on his detention.

Born in China, Qing Lei worked at CCTV News, the predecessor of CGTN, in 2012, and previously served as a China correspondent for the US business network CNBC for nine years.

Qing Lei's family in Australia said in a statement that they "hope for a satisfactory and timely conclusion."

SCMP reported that he appears to be under residential surveillance and that detention could continue until he is officially arrested or charged.

Australia and China have been in conflict over the global COVID-19 pandemic. Australia holds China responsible for the pandemic and is calling for an international investigation.

China has imposed high tariffs or is conducting anti-dumping investigations on several Australian products such as beef and wine. China has also advised its citizens to refrain from studying and traveling in Australia.

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