During an event at Parliament House in Canberra, Australian journalist Cheng Lei was blocked by Chinese officials from being filmed, sparking debate on diplomatic conduct and media freedom. Prime Minister Albanese later condemned the officials’ actions as ‘clumsy’ after criticism for his initial response.
Chinese Officials Block Australian Journalist at Parliament House Event
During an event at Parliament House, Canberra on Monday, featuring Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, two Chinese embassy officials attempted to block cameras from filming Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist. Lei, who worked for China’s English-language news channel, was imprisoned in China for nearly three years on espionage charges before returning to Melbourne last year.
Prime Minister Albanese initially claimed he did not see the incident, which took place in the press gallery where Lei was seated. His non-committal response drew criticism from politicians and the public alike, prompting Albanese to later denounce the officials’ actions as “clumsy.”
Australian officials intervened during the press conference, asking the Chinese delegation to move, which they eventually did. Albanese confirmed that the Australian government had formally expressed their concerns to the Chinese embassy.
The incident has sparked debate on diplomatic conduct and media freedom, highlighted by the swift and firm reaction of Australian officials to protect Cheng Lei.
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