[The Australian]
The White House has criticised China’s media restrictions after a New York Times journalist was forced out of the country.
The departure yesterday of Austin Ramzy, after Beijing refused to grant him a journalist work visa, came despite Vice-President Joe Biden last month raising with President Xi Jinping the problems faced by foreign journalists in China.
“Heading out shortly and wanted to say thanks for all the kind thoughts. Sad to be leaving Beijing. Hope I can return soon,” Ramzy tweeted from the departure lounge at Beijing airport shortly before boarding a plane to Taipei, where he will continue as a correspondent.
Ramzy is the second Times reporter in 13 months to leave the mainland over visa issues, as China intensifies efforts to control foreign media coverage.