China asks 4 US media outlets to submit operations info

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian. FMC.GOV via China Daily/Asia News Network

HONG KONG — China has asked four US media outlets to submit in writing information about their staff, finances, operations and real estate in China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian announced on Wednesday.

Zhao said the Associated Press, Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), United Press International and National Public Radio were asked to submit the requested information within seven days.

The measures are all necessary countermeasures against the United States’ unreasonable oppression of Chinese media, Zhao said, adding that China was only responding in legitimate self-defense.

China urged the US to immediately correct its mistake and stop wanton restrictions, as well as the political oppression targeting Chinese media, he said.

The US had designated four more Chinese news agencies as foreign missions last month after designating five Chinese news agencies as foreign missions in February.