US criticises restrictions on foreign press in China

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Thursday "the United States is deeply concerned that foreign journalists in China continue to face restrictions that impede their ability to do their jobs." Such restrictions include extended delays in processing journalist visas, restrictions on travel to certain locations deemed "sensitive" by Chinese authorities and, in some cases, violence at the hands of local authorities, Carney said in a statement.He stressed "these restrictions and treatment are not consistent with freedom of the press and stand in stark contrast with US treatment of Chinese and other foreign journalists." He also voiced disappointment that New York Times reporter Austin Ramzy was forced to leave China today because of processing delays for his press credentials."We remain concerned that Mr. Ramzy and several other US journalists have waited months, and in some cases years, for a decision on their press credentials and visa applications," he noted.He affirmed "we have raised our concerns about the treatment of journalists and media organizations repeatedly and at the highest levels with the Chinese government, and will continue to do so." Carney stressed "we have consistently and clearly expressed our expectation to Chinese authorities that China issue and renew visas for journalists working for US media outlets in China." He emphasized that the US and China "should be expanding media exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and trust, not restricting the ability of journalists to do their work." He urged China "to commit to timely visa and credentialing decisions for foreign journalists, unblock US media websites, and eliminate other restrictions that impede the ability of journalists to practice their profession." "Around the world, the United States strongly supports universal rights and fundamental freedoms, central among them freedom of speech and freedom of the press," he remarked.