On Monday 14 December, China’s foreign affairs spokesman denounced EU criticism of the arrest on 7 December of Fan Haze, a Chinese journalist working for Bloomberg News, on suspicion of endangering national security.
“We urge the Europeans to sincerely respect China’s judicial sovereignty and to stop making irresponsible remarks”, he said, adding that the Chinese government was protecting its citizens’ freedom of expression in accordance with the law.
On Saturday 12 December, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service warned in a statement that the EU expected the Chinese authorities to provide Fan Haze with medical assistance if necessary, rapid access to a lawyer of his choice, and contact with his family.
The spokesperson recalled that other journalists and Chinese citizens have disappeared or have been detained or harassed this year after engaging in reporting. “All those arrested and detained in connection with their reporting activity should be immediately released”, the spokesperson added.
The EEAS spokesperson recalled that States have an obligation to respect and protect the rights to freedom of opinion and expression and must take active steps to promote a safe environment for journalists, “enabling them to carry out their work independently, without undue interference and without fear of violence or persecution”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)