China

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is deeply concerned that a Chinese news anchor for a state-owned TV channel has been accused of espionage after a message was posted online by a researcher at a central government think tank. Hong Kong-based newspaper Ming Pao Daily reported on September 11 that Rui Chenggang, 37, has been accused of spying. Rui, who speaks fluent English, became...

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the staff of a giant beverage manufacturer for brutally attacking a journalist on August 19. Li Runwen, a reporter with China Youth Daily, went with an intern to investigate alleged extortion of student wages at a factory belonging to the Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co, Ltd (also known as Wahaha) in Jiangsu Province. A company security...

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has queried the aim of the Chinese authority to restrain peopale’s rights to use instant messaging services (IMS) to disseminate news. The State Internet Information Office of China passed a new set of rules on August 7 requiring all IMS users to provide their real name to register an account and sign agreements with service providers to abide â...

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called for an investigation into events in Xinjiang Province, China, following the complete shutdown of the internet in Kashgar, and the blocking of reports of a deadly riot for three days. State-owned news agency Xinhua reported on July 30 that “dozens of Uyghur and Han civilians were killed and injured” early on the morning of July 28...

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the Guangdong Propaganda Department for pressuring a media group to fire a journalist because he wrote a commentary for a Hong Kong outlet. On July 18, Song Zhibiao was forced to sign an agreement terminating his contract with Nan Fang Media Group after he wrote an article for a Hong Kong-based online platform, Oriental Daily. Several...

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) urges China’s major media regulator to withdraw new rules which will interfere with journalists’ right to work and prevent media workers from properly exercising their duties to report in the public interest. On July 8, state-owned news agency Xinhua reported that the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television...

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the fact that detained journalist Gao Yu has been deprived of her legal right to meet her defence lawyer for three months. Gao Yu, an outspoken independent journalist, went missing on April 24. It was announced on May 8 that she had been detained by the Chinese authorities on accusations of releasing “state secrets” to Hong Kong and...

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is deeply concerned that a notice issued by China’s media regulator to State-controlled media outlets appears to forbid publication of “critical reports” and could create excuses for management to impose self-censorship. The notice was issued by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) on June 18...

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today honoured the many journalists who have tried their utmost to report on the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing, despite suffering harassment, threats and interference by the authorities, and has called on China to respect individuals’ rights of press freedom and freedom of expression at this pivotal time of...

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is concerned that a Chinese news assistant working for a Japanese news agency has been accused of “picking quarrels and stirring up trouble” and detained by police for two weeks. Xin Jian, a Chinese news assistant for Nikkei Inc, the Japan Economic Times News Agency, was taken away from her home by Chongqing police on May 13. She was released...