China

2015

  

China delays visa renewal for critical French journalist

New York, December 24, 2015–A French journalist based in Beijing told the Committee to Protect Journalists she may be forced to leave China by January 1 because her journalist visa has not been renewed.

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China, Egypt imprison record numbers of journalists

Egypt is second only to China as the world’s worst jailer of journalists in 2015. Worldwide, the number of journalists behind bars for their work declined moderately during the year, but a handful of countries continue to use systematic imprisonment to silence criticism. A CPJ special report by Elana Beiser

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In China, harsh penalties for ‘false news’ make it harder for reporters to work

China’s journalists and bloggers, already under threat of persecution, face new risks from November 1, when amendments to the country’s criminal law come into effect. Under the amendment, passed in August by legislative body the National People’s Congress, those convicted of spreading false news about disasters or epidemics will face harsh penalties.

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Chinese journalist accused of illegally acquiring state secrets

New York, October 19, 2015–Chinese authorities should immediately release an award-winning journalist who has been held since October 8 and accused of illegally acquiring state secrets, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Liu Wei is an investigative reporter for the Guangzhou-based newspaper Southern Metropolis.

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Balancing Act

EU as a global actor On World Press Freedom Day (May 3), the highest EU officials line up to deliver their message of support for a free press. But press freedom and human rights activists who spoke with CPJ said that when it comes to meaningful diplomacy in repressive countries that are important trade partners…

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President Xi Jinping and his wife join the Obamas at the White House on September 25. The press in China has been issued directives to limit negative reports about the U.S. visit. (AP/Andrew Harnik)

Cap and trade: How China maintains positive coverage with limit on negative news

China’s President Xi Jinping announced a major cap-and-trade program on carbon emissions at the White House today, but a cap on press freedom back home has long been in place.

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As world leaders take to UNGA stage, CPJ highlights countries of concern

Press freedom records of Egypt, Russia, Iran, China, Nigeria, Mexico, Ecuador New York, September 25, 2015–Each year, the world’s leaders are invited to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where they are given a platform to speak freely and openly. But while the leaders of many countries enjoy this privilege, their journalists back…

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Harassment in China: Foreign correspondents’ club releases report

From being followed by plain clothes policemen to being locked in a hotel conference room, the life of an international journalist in China comes with its challenges. The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China released details on September 13 of six cases of members being harassed by authorities between March and August this year.

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News crews film as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives for a military parade in Beijing. In an apparent change of tone, a media group known for its liberal stance gave the event glowing coverage. (AP/Andy Wong, Pool)

In China, last of the liberals under pressure to toe party line

The day after a lavish military parade was held in Beijing on September 3 to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and China’s role in defeating Japan, three major Chinese newspapers–Southern Weekend, Southern Metropolis, and Southern Daily–published pages of photographs and articles brimming with nationalist sentiment. The papers all belong…

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Chinese state TV airs footage of journalist saying he regrets writing stock market story

New York, August 31, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the detention of a Chinese journalist who has been held since Tuesday and accused of spreading false information. The Chinese state broadcaster on Monday aired footage of Wang Xiaolu appearing to say that he regrets writing a story about the stock market.

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2015