China Refuses to Renew Press Accreditation for American Reporters

(Patria) – Chinese authorities have refused to extend press accreditation for at least three journalists from American media outlets based in China, citing similar measures taken by the US against Chinese journalists on American soil.

Instead of accreditation, journalists from American media outlets CNN, Wall Street Journal, and Getty Images have been granted temporary work permits, with a note that the renewal of their accreditation depends on whether the White House allows Chinese journalists to continue working in the US.

Relations between China and the US have further deteriorated with retaliatory actions concerning journalists in both countries. In March, China deported more than ten American journalists after the US designated Chinese state media operating on American soil as 'foreign missions'.

In May, the US limited the stay of Chinese reporters to three months with the possibility of extension – in response to pressure on American journalists in China. Those visas are set to expire in November, around the same time the visas for CNN and Wall Street Journal journalists expire if not renewed.

Working conditions for foreign correspondents in China have significantly worsened in recent months; interviews are almost entirely impossible, and correspondents are followed by agents. Some local academics claim they must go through a special procedure to get approval to speak with foreign media.

Recently, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times who was reporting on protests in Inner Mongolia was physically assaulted and locked in a police station cell where she was held for four hours.

The British newspaper The Guardian writes that Chinese authorities condemn the measures against Chinese journalists in the US, while Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying claims the problem related to the media stems from a 'Cold War mentality'.

"If the US continues to go down the wrong path, China will have no choice but to take justified and necessary countermeasures to protect its legitimate rights," Chunying stated.