China's Foreign Ministry Says Responsibility for China-U.S. Media Issues Lies with the U.S. Side

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing on June 3, in response to the U.S. remarks on treatment of Chinese and U.S. media and freedom of speech, that the initiator of the ChinaU.S. media issue is the U.S. side. Mao Ning said that since the two sides reached three points of consensus, the Chinese side has implemented the relevant arrangements as promised and has provided conveniences such as visas for American journalists to conduct reporting in China. She also pointed out that the normal reporting rights of Chinese journalists in the U.S. are severely restricted, with some journalists encountering delays in visas, residence permits, and other matters, and shortterm reporting trips to the U.S. are also relatively difficult to get approved. Regarding the U.S. emphasis on freedom of speech, Mao Ning noted that Chinese media in the U.S. are labeled with political tags such as "foreign agents" and "foreign missions," saying this is inconsistent with the freedom of speech claimed by the U.S. She stated that she hopes the U.S. will take practical actions to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese journalists in their normal work and life in the U.S.