Another Reporter Intimidation Tactic Bends Diplomacy

Michael Hedges December 14, 2020 - Follow on Twitter

Authorities in countries of a certain bent really do not appreciate reporters nosing around and publishing their observations. We know this. We’ve known this for quite some time. Intimidation is typically the means for deterring this unwanted behavior. Press freedom advocates watch for this. When reporters are rounded up or roughed up these groups insure yet another news story. We’ve see these reports so often - and usually by the same culprits - a certain numbness sets in.

A week ago (December 7) Bloomberg News Beijing news assistant Haze Fan was escorted from her home by the agents of the Beijing National Security Bureau and detained. People’s Republic of China (PRC) authorities have become increasingly dismayed - incensed even - by news reporting, particularly regarding coronavirus outbreaks (COVID-19). Chinese nationals may only work as news assistants for foreign news organizations in China, noted South China Morning Post (December 13), and are not allowed to engage in independent reporting. Ms Fan is a PRC national who formerly worked for Thompson Reuters, CNBC, Al Jazerra and CBS News. She has worked for Bloomberg News for three years.

“We have been doing our best to try and find out exactly where she is, what’s happened and to try and get her back,” said Bloomberg News chief editor John Micklethwait to Bloomberg TV (December 11). “Haze is a very talented person, a very respected, integral part of our newsroom, very popular, and we are deeply concerned for her well-being.” A Chinese government spokesperson said Ms Fan’s family had been informed on Friday and she has been detained “on suspicion of endangering national security.”

“Allegations by Chinese authorities that Haze Fan engaged in criminal activities that endanger China’s national security have no credibility,” said Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Asia program coordinator Steven Butler in a statement (December 11). “Ms Fan should be freed at once and China should stop harassing foreign news bureaus operating in the country.”

Earlier this year reporters for US newspapers Washington Post, New York Times and Wall Street Journal were denied press credential accreditation, forcing them to leave the country. Chinese state TV channel CGTN anchor Cheng Lei, an Australian citizen, was detained in mid-August for “endangering China’s national security.” The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been able to communicate with Ms Lei twice, only by video link. In September two Australian reporters - Australian Financial Review Shanghai reporter Michael Smith and public broadcaster ABC Beijing reporter Bill Birtles - had that late night knock on the door from state security police demanding their interrogation before allowing them to leave the country. A five-day diplomatic stand-off ended when both departed for Australia.

The European Union weighed in diplomatically on the detention of Ms Fan. “We expect the Chinese authorities to grant her medical assistance if needed, prompt access to a lawyer of her choice, and contacts with her family,” said EU diplomatic arm European External Action Service in a statement (December 12). “Other Chinese journalists or citizens have disappeared this year, or been detained or harassed, after engaging in reporting. These include among others Zhang Zhan, Chen Qiushi and Fang Bin, who reported on the COVID-19 outbreak. All those arrested and detained in connection with their reporting activity should be immediately released.”

PRC authorities were thusly perturbed. “We urge the EU side to earnestly respect China’s judicial sovereignty, and cease making irresponsible remarks,” said PRC Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a news conference, quoted by Reuters (December 14).

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