Beijing denounces US State Dept designation of news agencies
China Daily
1582106080000

Beijing rejected the decision on Wednesday by the US State Department to designate five major Chinese news agencies operating in the US as "foreign government functionaries".

919061d8ea1141aab70c73297f88d244.jpeg

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang speaks at a regular news conference, in this Dec 30, 2019 file photo. (File photo: fmprc.gov.cn)

"We urge the US to immediately stop ill-advised measures and we reserve the right to take further measures in response," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at the ministry's online press conference.

The designation, which took effect immediately, will subject media organizations Xinhua News Agency, China Global Television Network, China Radio International, China Daily and People's Daily to similar rules as diplomats stationed in the country.

They will be required to report all personnel to the State Department and register any property holdings, whether leased or owned, according to US media reports.

Geng, ministry spokesman, said media play an important role like a bridge or bond facilitating communication and understanding between people of different countries.

Chinese media's resident offices in the US have long been covering news following the principle of objectivity, impartiality, truth and accuracy, he said.

"They have helped promote mutual understanding, communication and cultural exchange between our two countries," Geng said, noting the US is wantonly restricting and thwarting Chinese media outlets' normal operation there.

"This is unjustified and unacceptable. We urge the US to discard its ideological prejudice and Cold War zero-sum game mentality, and stop ill-advised measures that undermine bilateral trust and cooperation," he said.