An editorial in a Chinese state newspaper on today sharply criticized Washington for what it termed an attempt to provoke an “all-out confrontation with China” over Chinese journalists’ visas, Reuters reports. The commentary follows China’s vow on Tuesday to retaliate if the United States persisted with “hostile action” against Chinese journalists, who may be forced to leave in coming days if their U.S. visas are not extended. The China Daily editorial took aim at what it said was a “certain political faction” that had “hijacked the executive functions of government” to promote elite interests. The United States in March slashed the number of Chinesenationals allowed to work at the U.S. offices of major Chinesestate-owned media to 100 from 160. actions against Chinese journalists.

Source: The Standard August 05, 2020 03:00 UTC