Saga of Tit for Tat

The story of tit-for-tat began in April 2016 when three Chinese journalists from Xinhua, Wu Qiang, Lu Tang, and She Yonggang, were asked to leave India by July 3, 2016. They had reportedly travelled to Karnataka and visited Bylakuppe, which is home to the largest Tibetan settlement in the world. However, visiting Tibetan settlements and other border areas in India requires permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which the journalists lacked. This violated their visas, which had already expired prior to the decision(Chauhan, 2016). The Xinhua Bureau Chief in New Delhi had an expired visa since December 31, 2015, while the visas of the two Xinhua correspondents in Mumbai expired in March 2016. As a result, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had the authority to cancel their visas(Affairs, 2016).

Fast forward to a recent series of events, Huaxia, the chief of Xinhua News Agency New Delhi Branch, was denied visa renewal by the Indian side and was asked to leave India by March 31, 2023. He expressed his discontent in an article, criticizing India's discriminatory visa policy and the non-renewal of press cards by the Press Information Bureau. Huaxia also highlighted the psychological pressure faced by Chinese journalists in India(Huaxia, 2023). In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China decided to suspend the visas for two Indian journalists, Anshuman Mishra of Prasar Barahti and Ananth Krishnan of The Hindu, in April 2023. This move was justified by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, who claimed that Chinese journalists have faced unfair treatment in India for a long time. The spokesperson argued that India has shortened visa validity periods without valid reasons and has refused to review and approve Chinese journalists' applications for stationing in the country. Thus, China's actions were deemed necessary to protect the rights and interests of Chinese media organizations(Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on April 6, 2023, 2023).

Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, during a media briefing in New Delhi, stated that Chinese journalists have Indian visas to undertake journalistic activities. He also said that there are no limitations or difficulties in reporting or media coverage. However, he expressed hope that the Chinese authorities would facilitate the continued presence of Indian journalists in China. He also mentioned that India is in touch with Chinese authorities regarding the same(Affairs, Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson, 2023).

Despite this, in the latest series of events, the last remaining Indian journalist in China has also received instructions to leave the country. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson justified this decision by saying, “Since 2020, the Indian side has refused to review and approve Chinese journalists' applications for stationing in India. As a result, the number of Chinese journalists stationed in India has plummeted from 14 to just one. As we speak, the Indian side still has not renewed the visa of the last Chinese journalist in the country. The number of Chinese journalists stationed in India is about to drop to zero. Considering this, the Chinese side has no choice but to take appropriate countermeasures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese media organizations(Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2023, 2023).”

In response to a media query on this issue, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, stated that the two sides continue to remain in touch regarding this issue. He reiterated that all foreign journalists, including Chinese journalists, have been pursuing journalistic activities in India without any limitations or difficulties in reporting or media coverage. However, he acknowledged that Indian journalists in China have faced certain difficulties, such as not being permitted to hire locals as correspondents or journalists(Affairs, Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson , 2023).

In a way, one can say that these journalists have become caught in the crossfire of geopolitical disputes between India and China. However, this is not the first time such incidents have occurred. Similar instances have taken place between China and the United States, as well as China and Australia, where journalists became targets of expulsions and visa limitations, further straining relations between the respective nations.

Moving forward, the media is considered a significant channel for communication and information dissemination. It plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and facilitating dialogue between nations. However, when nations like India and China impose restrictions on journalists, it hinders not only the journalists' ability to report freely but also contributes to a lack of transparency and understanding between the two countries.

Furthermore, in an era of interconnectedness and globalization, open and free media is essential for fostering mutual understanding, bridging gaps, and promoting dialogue between nations. The media should be seen as a bridge rather than a barrier, enabling cross-cultural exchanges and fostering an environment of trust and cooperation. Therefore, efforts should be made by both China and India to address the concerns raised by each side and work towards creating a more conducive environment for media exchanges. This includes ensuring the protection of journalists' rights, freedom of the press, and adherence to international norms and standards. Both countries should engage in constructive dialogue, establish mechanisms for resolving disputes, and promote reciprocal treatment of journalists, allowing them to operate without undue restrictions or discrimination.

It is also imperative for China and India to recognize the importance of a vibrant and diverse media landscape in promoting bilateral relations, cultural understanding, and economic cooperation. Journalists should be viewed as vital stakeholders in the relationship between the two countries, contributing to the exchange of ideas, information, and perspectives. By fostering an environment of openness, transparency, and mutual respect, China and India can pave the way for meaningful dialogue, enhanced cooperation, and the resolution of differences through peaceful means.

In conclusion, the withdrawal of India's media presence from China and the challenges faced by journalists from both countries highlight the need for a comprehensive and constructive approach to media relations. Addressing the concerns raised by each side, promoting freedom of the press, and fostering an environment of mutual respect are crucial steps towards restoring normalcy in media exchanges. By doing so, China and India can create a foundation for enhanced understanding, cooperation, and the development of a more peaceful and prosperous region.

References

1.   Affairs, M. o. (2016, August 10). QUESTION NO.4106 CHINESE JOURNALISTS. Retrieved from Ministry of External Affairs : https://mea.gov.in/lok-sabha.htm?dtl/27279/question+no4106+chinese+journalists

2.    Affairs, M. o. (2023, April 06). Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson. Retrieved from Ministry of External Affairs : https://mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl/36472/transcript+of+weekly+media+briefing+by+the+official+spokesperson+april+06+2023

3.    Affairs, M. o. (2023, June 02). Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson . Retrieved from Ministry of External Affairs : https://mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl/36642/transcript+of+weekly+media+briefing+by+the+official+spokesperson+june+02+2023

4.    Chauhan, B. (2016, July 26). Chinese journalists flouted rules on Bylakuppe visit. Retrieved from Deccan Chronicle : https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/260716/chinese-journalists-flouted-rules-on-bylakuppe-visit.html

5.    Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on April 6, 2023. (2023, April 06). Retrieved from Mission of PRC to the European Union: http://eu.china-mission.gov.cn/eng/lxjzh/202304/t20230406_11055468.htm

6.    Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2023. (2023, May 31). Retrieved from Mission of PRC to the European Union: http://eu.china-mission.gov.cn/eng/lxjzh/202305/t20230531_11086783.htm

7.    Huaxia. (2023, June 04). Chinese journalists in India tormented by visa hassle. Retrieved from XINHUA : https://english.news.cn/20230604/c5babb31a70f400fb7f665c3a7a0fd08/c.html

Pic Courtsey-Bank Phrom at unsplash.com

(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)