US-China Conflict, Media Closure Follows Consulate Shutdown

Chinese Journalists in the US Face Visa Expiry in 6 Days... No Extensions Granted
Hundreds of US Journalists in Hong Kong Warned of Possible Retaliatory Expulsions

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Claims have been raised that Chinese journalists residing in the United States may be expelled. There are also warnings that China will pay a corresponding price if Chinese journalists are expelled.

Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of the Chinese state-run Global Times, stated on his Weibo (Chinese Twitter) on the 4th, "The U.S. government is not extending visas for Chinese journalists," and added, "The Chinese government is preparing for the worst-case scenario where all Chinese journalists must leave the United States."

Editor Hu is known as a source within the Chinese government and is considered an influential figure in Chinese media.

He said, "After shortening all Chinese journalists' visas to 3 months, it is highly likely that visa extensions for Chinese journalists will not be granted." He continued, "Chinese journalists have submitted the materials required by the U.S., but none have received extended visas," and noted, "The visas of about 40 Chinese journalists will expire on the 6th."

Editor Hu warned, "There are hundreds of American journalists in Hong Kong, and if the China-U.S. media war intensifies, it is clear who will suffer the most."

The U.S. limited Chinese journalists' visas to 90 days, which can be extended, in May. In February, it designated five Chinese state-run media outlets, including Xinhua News Agency, as "foreign missions" under the control of the Chinese government.

In retaliation, China revoked press credentials of journalists from the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal in the U.S., effectively expelling them.