:australia: Australian journalists flown out of China 'amid diplomatic standoff'

[ATraveller]

Australian journalists flown out of China 'amid diplomatic standoff'

The two journalists from different organisations left due to diplomatic tensions, local media report.

www.bbc.com

Bill Birtles and Mike Smith were the last two correspondents for Australian media working in China. Their evacuation means for the first time since the mid-1970s there are no accredited Australian journalists in the country.

In July, Australia warned its citizens they may face “arbitrary detention” in China - a travel warning that remains in place.

Cheng Lei: Why has an Australian TV anchor been detained by China?

To millions of viewers, Cheng Lei was the face of China’s state-run English news service, tasked with delivering the tightly-scripted “China story” around the world.

The respected business journalist - an Australian citizen based in Beijing - was a polished presenter on CGTN (China Global Television Network), and had been growing her brand with a light-hearted cooking show on the state media channel.

But last month Ms Cheng suddenly disappeared from screens and ceased all contact with friends and family. Her profile and interviews were wiped from CGTN’s website.

To observers, Ms Cheng had been a model state TV presenter adept at staying within boundaries. In presenting a business programme - in which she interviewed bosses of the world’s biggest companies and trade ministers - she was often shielded from politics. But she had also been trusted to helm coverage of major national events.

With no known transgressions against the Chinese state, her detention has left friends and family shocked and confused, and facing the limbo of China’s legal system, in which people can be detained for months with no charge.

 

[umamibella]

Its a worry because the one Australian journalist they have in detention has now been charged with criminal offences.

The other Journalists have been rushed out of the country and returned home.