The environment for foreign journalists to conduct interviews in China is becoming increasingly severe. Malicious interference, surveillance, obstruction and even violent incidents have occurred frequently, showing the complex challenges facing press freedom in China. International news organizations and observers have pointed out that the Chinese government's high-pressure policy against foreign media has gradually become systematic, involving visa restrictions, topic censorship, journalist harassment and other aspects. Foreign journalists have become the center of this storm and are frequently accused of "interfering in internal affairs" or "having ulterior motives."

Event Review: Foreign Media Interviews Frequently Obstructed

The recent vicious car-ramming incident in Zhuhai once again revealed the dilemma of foreign journalists interviewing in China. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) China correspondent McDevitt was disturbed by an unidentified man at the scene of the incident. The man tried to cover the camera with his hand and questioned whether McDevitt had a legal press card. In a subsequent report, McDevitt described his feelings about working in China: "Such obstruction cannot stop the spread of news, but will make the outside world's impression of China worse."

At the same time, Japanese TBS China correspondent Murotani Yota was also blocked during his interview in Zhuhai. He was surrounded by a group of people who claimed to be "local citizens" and called the police. He was eventually taken to the police station and forced to delete all the video footage he had taken. This situation is not isolated, but a normal situation for foreign journalists working in China.

The "red line" of press freedom and escalating control

In recent years, the Chinese government has increased its control over news reports. Reporters Without Borders pointed out that sensitive topics such as natural disasters, public events, and social conflicts have become "red lines", and foreign journalists must follow official narratives, otherwise they may be censored or interfered with. Behind this series of measures is the government's high sensitivity to "regime stability".

A report released by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China shows that more than 80% of journalists stationed in China have encountered interference, harassment or violence during their interviews. Especially when sensitive incidents occur, the police and plainclothes personnel will immediately control the scene and restrict the media's right to interview. This not only weakens the independence of the news, but also makes it difficult for the real story to be known to the outside world.

Challenges faced by foreign journalists and changes in public perception

Not only is there official obstruction, but the attitude of ordinary people towards foreign journalists has also changed significantly. Some Chinese people believe that foreign media are biased and "always try to discredit China." Such nationalist sentiments make it more difficult for foreign media to conduct interviews. Some interviewees even refuse to cooperate for fear of being held accountable by the police, fearing that "talking too much" may lead to legal problems.

At the same time, Chinese media reports on similar incidents are often vague or even completely absent. In contrast, only cases involving the rights of Chinese journalists, such as the recent news that a domestic media was attacked while investigating the shoddy work of a high-speed rail, will attract public attention.

The unique role of foreign journalists: bridges and challenges

Despite the difficulties, foreign journalists still play an irreplaceable role in China. They not only provide the international community with first-hand information about China, but also become spokespersons for transparency to a certain extent. However, this role also makes them the focus of government suppression.

The East Asia representative of Reporters Without Borders pointed out that independent press freedom is an important criterion for measuring the degree of openness of a society. As the world's second largest economy, the openness of China's information is vital to the international community. "China cannot become the second North Korea, and the international community cannot allow Chinese officials to be the only source of information." She called on governments to put pressure on Beijing to protect press freedom.

Journalism ideals under numerous challenges

Foreign journalists in China face not only challenges in their work, but also a test of the concept of press freedom. Although the Chinese government attempts to restrict the flow of information through high-pressure means, the persistence of foreign media has allowed more truth to be exposed. The international community should continue to pay attention to China's news environment and create better conditions for press freedom through joint efforts.

This effort is not only for journalists, but also for every ordinary person who desires the truth.