China says Australian journalist Cheng Lei suspected of endangering security
Beijing: An Australian journalist for Chinese state television who was detained last month is suspected of carrying out illegal activities that endanger the country's security, a spokesman for China's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
Cheng, a high-profile business anchor on CGTN, an English-language channel, was detained three weeks ago, and videos of her had been removed from Chinese websites.
Cheng Lei, the Australian anchor for China's government-run English news channel CGTN.Credit: Getty Images
"The Australian national Cheng Lei is suspected of carrying out criminal activities endangering China's national security, and compulsory measures have been taken and an investigation is underway by the relevant authority," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.
His comments were Beijing's first explaining Cheng's detention.
"Now this case is being handled according to law and Cheng's legitimate rights and interests are fully guaranteed," he said.
The allegations, which give authorities broad powers to hold suspects for months without charge or access to a lawyer, are among the most serious ever brought against a foreign journalist in China.
Earlier on Tuesday, two Australian correspondents returned home after being rushed out of China for their safety after they had been banned from leaving the country until they answered questions about Cheng.
Reuters