- Australia’s Foreign Minister has again warned citizens from travelling to China, due to the threat of arbitrary detainment
- It comes as the last two Australian journalists working in China fled the country amid fears they were no longer safe
- Those fears were based on the secret detention of Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who was working for Chinese state news
- Australia already had a blanket ban on overseas travel due to COVID-19, but in July it changed its advice for Beijing based on security concerns
- Marise Payne said following the removal of the journalists, she is reminding Australians that travel to China is not advised
Foreign Minister Marise Payne has reiterated her warning that Australians should not travel to China, due to the threat of arbitrary detainment.
The advice comes after the last two Australian journalists working in China fled the country on Tuesday, amid fears they were no longer safe.
Their news organisations had advised the duo they were at risk of being detained like fellow Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who had been working for Chinese state news.
She was arrested in August over suspected state security violations, with news of her arrest only reaching Australian authorities last week.
Within days of the news reaching Australia — the last two Australian journalists were pulled from Beijing.
Both Bill Birtle and Michael Smith had to seek sanctuary in Australian consulates after Chinese authorities attempted to question them on Cheng Lei.
They finally arrived home on Tuesday, after days of negotiations.
It’s nice to be home but deeply disappointing to leave China under such abrupt circumstances. It’s been a big part of my life & the past week was surreal. A very big thank you to the ABC, friends, colleagues & those involved at DFAT. Plus @MikeSmithAFR for sharing the ride out. pic.twitter.com/zkJEV4Oa27
— Bill Birtles (@billbirtles) September 8, 2020
Speaking on the removal of Australian journalists from China, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the advice was clear — do not travel there.
Australia already had a blanket ban on overseas travel due to COVID-19, but in July it changed its advice for Beijing based on security concerns.
The advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warned: “authorities have detained foreigners because they’re endangering national security.”
“Australians may also be at risk of arbitrary detention.”
Meantime, DFAT also said it was continuing to provide consular support to Australian citizens detained in China — including Cheng Lei.
Her detainment is seen as the latest escalation of tension between the two countries, who have been fighting about everything from COVID-19 to trade.