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Updated September 10th, 2020 at 19:33 IST

China, Australia tensions rise over journalists

China on Thursday accused Australia of hypocrisy and double standards amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

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China on Thursday accused Australia of hypocrisy and double standards amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday alleged Australian agents in June raided the homes of four journalists working for Chinese state media.

The allegation came one day after Australia pulled two Australian journalists from China for fear of detention.

The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday reported that the raiding of the Chinese journalists' homes was "normal procedure" by citing senior Australian government sources.

In Beijing, Zhao Lijian, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said  Australia's statement demonstrates "inexplicable superiority".

Zhao added that the Australian embassy in China obstructed its law enforcement when providing shelter for the two Australian journalists to evade the investigation.

"These actions are completely beyond the scope of consular protection, which are in nature disrupting China's lawful handling of the case and interfering in China's internal affairs and judicial sovereignty," said Zhao.

The Australian journalists said they were questioned by Chinese authorities for the investigation into the case of Cheng Lei, an Australian citizen who is under detention on suspicion of endangering national security.

 

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Published September 10th, 2020 at 19:33 IST

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