Why is it important to have Australian journalists reporting from China or any country in which they are posted?

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In September it was revealed that the prominent television presenter, Cheng Lie, had been held by Chinese authorities on suspicion of “national security” offences. — In September it was revealed that the prominent television presenter, Cheng Lie, had been held by Chinese authorities on suspicion of “national security” offenc Source: Photo by Getty/BBC 08 Sep

The Australian Federal Police have arrested a member of Victoria's South-East Asian Chinese community under foreign interference laws. It is another in what seems to be a series of tit-for-tat events that highlight tension in the Australia-China relationship. Another was the departure of two Australian journalists from China in September. What are the short and long-term impact of their departure?

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Published 7 November 2020 6:11pm

By sri dean

Presented by sri dean

Source: SBS

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The Australian Federal Police have arrested a member of Victoria's South-East Asian Chinese community under foreign interference laws. It is another in what seems to be a series of tit-for-tat events that highlight tension in the Australia-China relationship. Another was the departure of two Australian journalists from China in September. What are the short and long-term impact of their departure?

Bill Birtles and Mike Smith returned home from China after security officials paid them late-night visits. There was concern about the impact of their return on Australian access to news on the ground. However, Dr Nasya Bahfen a senior lecturer in the Department of Media and Communications at La Trobe, says the ramifications are broader and more worrying.

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