China Expels New York Times Reporter Over Taiwan President Interview

China expelled New York Times reporter Vivian Wang in February 2026, citing as the official reason a December 2025 interview with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te despite Wang not being involved in that interview ^{[1, 2, 3, 4]}. The interview had been conducted by Andrew Ross Sorkin at the NYT DealBook summit in New York ^{[2, 4]}.

Chinese officials had earlier complained about Wang's reporting on sensitive subjects, including censorship, Covid-19 policies, and expansion of state surveillance before the expulsion ^{[2, 4]}. China regards Taiwan as its territory and brands President Lai a separatist, a claim Lai rejects ^{[2, 3, 4]}. The expulsion underscores Beijing's efforts to pressure Taiwan internationally and silence Taiwanese leadership's presence in foreign media ^{[2, 4]}.

Taiwan condemned the expulsion as groundless and a suppression of press freedom. Taiwan’s Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo said, "Taiwan will not be silenced because of oppression," and pledged to continue explaining Taiwan’s position globally in a stable, responsible manner ^{[1, 2, 3]}. Kuo further stated China’s tactics "not only fails to improve its international image, but also highlights that today’s China is indeed a source of instability," emphasizing the issue affects press freedom and journalist safety ^{[2, 3]}.

Foreign correspondents in China typically receive one-year visas that can be revoked anytime. China expelled more than a dozen US journalists in 2020 amid tit-for-tat media restrictions with the US ^[3]. Taiwan also accuses China of expanded transnational repression, including imposing sanctions on Taiwanese officials without legal jurisdiction ^[3]. Taiwan currently maintains diplomatic relations with 12 countries, including Eswatini ^[2].

The expulsion took place months after the December 2025 interview and is the latest in escalating tensions over media coverage and Taiwan-China relations ^{[1, 2, 3, 4]}. Taiwan reaffirmed its commitment to work with democratic partners to protect freedom of the press, peace, and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region ^[2].