Freedom of speech and restrictions on the foreign press have long been issues within China. The White House renewed its concern on Thursday after a New York Times reporter was forced to leave China while waiting for credentials to be approved. The process of waiting for visa approval and press credentials to be issued can be a long one in China
White House “Concerned” About Foreign Press Restrictions In China
However, some see hypocrisy in the concern because the administration has been caught spying on its own country’s press while also coming down on whistleblowers.