Lifting of Restrictions a Step Forward for Free Expression
If fully implemented, Beijing’s decision to permanently enshrine in law key provisions of its Olympics-related temporary regulations on foreign media could herald a less restrictive reporting climate in China, Human Rights Watch said today.

Announced on October 17, the new 23-point regulation signals the Chinese government’s acceptance of basic reporting rights, including the freedom of foreign correspondents to interview any consenting interviewee without official permission, and creates a permanent measurable standard of foreign media freedom in China.

“This decision marks an important step forward in the battle for freedom of expression in China,” said Sophie Richardson, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. “But the struggle will continue until all journalists – particularly Chinese journalists – have full freedom to report and exercise their rights under the Chinese constitution and international law.”

The temporary regulations on foreign media freedom were originally in effect from January 1, 2007 to October 17, 2008. The Olympic rules had explicitly removed a long-standing regulatory handcuff of requiring foreign correspondents to secure government permission for interviews with Chinese citizens and for travel outside of Beijing and Shanghai.

Human Rights Watch pointed out that restrictions on and abuses of Chinese journalists are discriminatory in light of the new freedoms offered foreign media under the new permanent regulation on foreign media freedom.

“Particularly because reporting freedom can help bring to light public health, environmental, and corruption problems, we hope the Chinese government will see the wisdom of granting Chinese journalists the same rights as foreign reporters,” Richardson said.
Link to HRW