During a Monday press conference, a spokesperson with the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the US of persecuting and suppressing its journalists.
“Upholding the principle of answering words with words and actions with actions, China will take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese journalists,” said Wang Wenbin.
“We once again urge the US to immediately give up its illusions and stop the political persecution and suppression of Chinese reporters. Do not say that you were not forewarned by China.”
According to the 2020 World Press Freedom Index, China ranked nearly last on the list. At 177th place, China was only three steps ahead of North Korea. In comparison, the US ranked 45th.
“By relying on the extensive use of new technology, President Xi Jinping has succeeded in imposing a social model in China based on control of news and information and online surveillance of its citizens,” claims the Index.
Xi has been trying to export China’s oppressive model by promoting a “new world media order” under China’s influence. China’s state and privately-owned media are now under the Communist Party’s close control while foreign reporters in China are encountering more obstacles in the field.
Under the direction of President Donald Trump, the US restricted the number of Chinese state journalists allowed to operate in the country.
According to the order, only 100 Chinese nationals working with state media organizations will be allowed to be based in the US.
