Chinese journalists continue to work in India without difficulty: MEA

Rejecting China's claim of mistreatment of its journalists in India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday reiterated that all international journalists, including Chinese journalists, continue their work in India without difficulties.

Responding to queries at the weekly media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also highlighted the fact that while foreign media in India can freely hire local journalists for their bureaus, Indian journalists face various restrictions in China.

"All foreign journalists, including Chinese journalists, have been pursuing journalistic activities in India without any limitations or difficulties in reporting or doing media coverage".

He added that Indian journalists in China have been operating with specific difficulties, such as not being permitted to hire locals as correspondents or journalists.

"Foreign media in India can and do freely hire local journalists to work for their bureaus. Indian journalists also face several restrictions in China while getting access and traveling locally within the country," he said.

In addition to emphasizing India's assistance and support for international journalists working there, he expressed hope that the Chinese authorities would similarly make it possible for Indian journalists to continue working there.

"There should be no deviations from normal journalistic behavior and activities. We would hope that Chinese authorities facilitate the continued presence of Indian journalists in working and reporting from China and the two sides remain in touch regarding this issue," he said.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry had earlier alleged that Chinese journalists had been receiving unfair and discriminatory treatment in India.