Citing retaliatory actions taken by India against Chinese state media journalists earlier this month, China has refused to renew the visas of the two remaining Indian reporters stationed in the country.
On Monday, China urged India to find a middle ground in a contention concerning journalists operating in both nations. The issue arose after China claimed its journalists in India had been unfairly treated and demanded that an Indian reporter leave China.
This conflict concerning media personnel marks the most recent incident emphasizing the strain in bilateral ties, tracing back to mid-2020 when a border clash between troops resulted in 24 casualties.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, in a briefing held on Monday, said, “In recent years, Chinese journalists in India have faced unequal and biased treatment.”
Wenbin expressed hopes for India to continue providing visas for Chinese journalists, lift irrational restrictions, and foster a conducive environment for media interaction.
China refused to extend the visas of the last two Indian reporters stationed there, stating that India had taken similar actions against the remaining journalists from Chinese state media in India this month.\
One of these two Indian journalists, a correspondent for the Hindustan Times, departed from China on Sunday due to visa expiry, as informed by two knowledgeable insiders.
The remaining Indian reporter, associated with the Press Trust of India, is scheduled to leave China later this month when his visa expires, the sources revealed.
Earlier this year, India had four journalists based in China, but two of them were prohibited from returning in April after being informed that their visas were frozen.
This situation leaves India without any media representation in the world’s second-largest economy.
Wang Wenbin revealed that India hasn’t granted new visas for Chinese journalists since 2020, causing a decline from 14 to only one Chinese correspondent in India.
He lamented, “It is quite regrettable that no measures have been taken by the Indian side.”
China reaffirms its commitment to adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and reciprocal benefits to maintain dialogue with India, expressing hope that India will reciprocate the effort.
India granted temporary visas to Chinese state media journalists for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers’ meeting in May, one of the sources disclosed.
Earlier this month, India’s Foreign Ministry expressed its hopes for China to permit Indian journalists to operate in the country, asserting that India allows all foreign journalists to work in its territory.
China Expels Indian Journalists, Alleges Unfair Treatment: Latest Developments
China has recently asked two Indian journalists to leave the country, claiming that its own reporters in India were subjected to unfair treatment. This move comes after India took similar action against two Chinese state media journalists. The escalating dispute over media staff highlights the strained relations between the two countries, which have worsened since the deadly border clash in 2020. In this article, we will delve into the details of this contentious issue and explore the potential implications for media exchanges between China and India.
Unfair Treatment of Chinese Journalists in India
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed concern over the treatment of Chinese journalists in India, describing it as “unfair and discriminatory arrangements.” He called on India to issue visas for Chinese journalists and remove unreasonable restrictions to create a more favorable environment for media exchanges. This statement sheds light on the growing friction in media relations between the two nations.
Non-Renewal of Indian Journalists’ Visas
China has refused to renew the visas of the last two Indian journalists based in the country. In a reciprocal move, India had previously taken similar action against two Chinese state media journalists. One of the Indian reporters, affiliated with the Hindustan Times, left China as his visa expired, while the other journalist from the Press Trust of India is set to leave this month upon visa expiration. This development leaves India without any media presence in the second-largest economy worldwide.
Stagnant Visa Approvals and Lack of Communication
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang highlighted the lack of progress in visa approvals for Chinese journalists by India since 2020. This has resulted in a significant decline in the number of Chinese correspondents in India, going from 14 to only one. Wang expressed disappointment in the lack of action from India and emphasized China’s willingness to maintain communication based on principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit. The hope remains that India will reciprocate and meet China halfway in resolving this issue.
Temporary Visas for Chinese State Media Reporters
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While India has restricted visas for Chinese journalists, it did grant temporary visas to Chinese state media reporters for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Foreign Ministers’ meeting in May. This move demonstrates India’s commitment to facilitating international events while maintaining control over long-term media exchanges. However, the overall restriction on Chinese journalists working in India remains a point of contention.
Conclusion
The expulsion of Indian journalists by China and the allegations of unfair treatment against Chinese journalists in India signify the deepening tensions between the two nations. This dispute over media staff adds to the existing strains caused by the border clash and underscores the need for improved communication and mutual understanding.
As the absence of Indian journalists in China persists, the dynamics of media coverage between these two significant economies are likely to undergo further changes. It remains to be seen how both countries will navigate these challenges and work towards a more equitable and cooperative relationship in the realm of media exchanges.
