Chinese authorities are firmly opposed to the new U.S. visa restrictions for foreign journalists and are ready to take corresponding countermeasures. This was stated by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.

"The Chinese side firmly opposes the new rules introduced by the American side, which grossly violate the three-point media agreement reached between China and the United States in 2021," he emphasized at a briefing, commenting on reports about the planned tightening of visa issuance rules for foreign journalists. "China reserves the right to take reciprocal countermeasures based on the principle of reciprocity."

The spokesperson noted that such actions by Washington would seriously hinder the normal work of Chinese media in the United States. "China demands that the American side immediately abolish its discriminatory policy toward Chinese journalists and reliably protect their lawful rights and interests in the United States," he added.

As Lin Jian clarified, Washington’s restriction of humanitarian contacts "does not serve the interests of either side."

Earlier, U.S. authorities reported that the Department of Homeland Security had changed the rules for issuing visas to foreign journalists, students, and participants in exchange programs, limiting their stay in the country to a fixed period of time. Representatives of foreign media outlets will be able to enter the United States for work for no more than 240 days, with the possibility of extension if necessary. For Chinese citizens, it is proposed to limit this period to 90 days.