Australian journalist has been detained in China for two weeks, foreign minister says
Cheng Lei works for Chinese state television’s international channel CGTN
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chinese authorities have detained an Australian citizen who worked as a high-profile television anchor in China, Australia's foreign minister Marise Payne said in a statement on Monday.
Tensions between Beijing and Canberra have been running high since the Australian government called for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus. Beijing has since imposed trade tariffs and anti-dumping probes on multiple Australian products.
Australian citizen and journalist Cheng Lei, who worked for Chinese state television's international channel, CGTN, in Beijing, had been detained for two weeks, the statement said.
It said the Australian government received formal notification of her detention from Chinese authorities on 14 August.
A statement issued by Ms Cheng's family in Australia said it hoped for “a satisfactory and timely conclusion” and was in close consultation with Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Australian officials spoke to Ms Cheng at a detention facility via video link on 27 August, Ms Payne said, adding consular officials would continue to provide support to her and her family.
China's foreign ministry could not immediately be reached for comment.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments