China strongly opposes what it calls political suppression of a Xinhua News Agency reporter legally working in the United States, accusing Washington of unilateral provocation and politicizing media issues at the root of disputes between the two countries [1, 2]. On May 29, 2026, The New York Times reported that China ordered one of its correspondents to leave the country after the journalist interviewed Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, an act China views as supporting Taiwan separatism [1, 2].
In response, the US reportedly revoked the visa of a Chinese state media journalist based in the United States, escalating tensions between the two governments [2]. China’s foreign ministry condemned the US actions publicly on June 1, emphasizing the political nature of the move and demanding that Washington protect the rights of Chinese journalists working in the US [1, 2].
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, "The facts and circumstances surrounding media issues between China and the United States are crystal-clear: the root cause lies in the US side’s unilateral provocation and politicisation of media matters" [1]. Lin also noted that China has shown flexibility by facilitating visas for many US journalists to report in China, while Chinese journalist visa applications in the US are rarely approved [2].
China urged The New York Times to correct its reporting on Taiwan, stating the coverage violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, sending a "gravely wrong signal to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces" [2].
On June 1, China formally called on the US to take "concrete actions" to protect Chinese journalists’ rights and address the visa issue [2]. The escalating dispute follows a cycle of reciprocal restrictions and diplomatic condemnations, reflecting broader tensions in US-China relations over media freedoms and sovereignty.
China’s demand for US visa reforms and greater journalist protections remains the focal point as both sides navigate their strained media relationship.
