The US tightens visas of Chinese reporters

The US Department of Homeland Security on May 8 issued a new regulation, tightening entry visa conditions with Chinese journalists, in response to Beijing's independent press suppression.

According to a new regulation issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, effective May 11, the entry time for Chinese journalists has been reduced to 90 days. The visa will need to be extended if the reporter moves to another company.

An anonymous Ministry of Homeland Security official said the new rule would allow the agency to regularly review Chinese journalists' visa applications and may limit the number of Chinese journalists working in the country, America.

"This will create greater protection for national security." 

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

The new rule does not apply to reporters with Hong Kong and Macau passports, two Chinese special administrative regions.

Earlier, on February 18, Washington announced it would treat five Chinese state-run media organizations operating in the United States as foreign embassies. 

A day later, Beijing expelled three journalists from the Wall Street Journal, citing it to publish racist comments targeting China. In March, China continued to deport some journalists working for three US media channels.