Cheng Lei: China says journalist 'endangered national security'

                Cheng Lei speaking at a web summit in Portugal, November 2019

An Australian journalist detained in China for weeks is being held on national security grounds, China has said.

Cheng Lei, a presenter for China Global Television Network (CGTN), is suspected of criminal activity endangering China's national security.She has been detained since 14 August.The announcement comes after the last two journalists working for Australian media in China flew home to Sydney after a five-day diplomatic stand-off.The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) Bill Birtles and the Australian Financial Review's (AFR) Mike Smith landed in Sydney on Tuesday.Chinese authorities questioned both men before their departure. Mr Birtles told the BBC he was questioned about Ms Cheng.

Who is the Australian TV anchor detained by China?

Yang Hengjun: Australian 'will fight to the end'

Relations between Australia and China have deteriorated in recent years.There had been allegations of Chinese interference in Australian society in the past, but ties worsened after Canberra backed an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of China said on Monday 


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