The US on Thursday denounced China's decision to ban BBC World News, urging Beijing to provide full access to both internet and media.
"We absolutely condemn the PRC's decision to ban BBC World News," State Department Spokesman Ned Price said in a press briefing, referring to People's Republic of China.
BBC statement in response to Chinese ban of BBC World News pic.twitter.com/RpLwvW4OzO
— BBC News Press Team (@BBCNewsPR) February 11, 2021
"The PRC maintains one of the most controlled, most oppressive, least free information spaces in the world. It's troubling that PRC restricts outlets and platforms from operating freely in China," said Price. "Beijing's leaders use free and open media environments overseas to promote misinformation".
Price called on China "with authoritarian controls over their population to allow the full access to the internet and media."
Earlier, China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) announced the ban in a statement, and claimed that BBC World News had broadcast reports on China that "infringed the principles of truthfulness and impartiality in journalism."
China bans BBC World News in row over Xinjiang reporting.
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 12, 2021
In response to Beijing's ban, Hong Kong's public broadcaster RTHK also drops the #BBChttps://t.co/Y2Cpq7q5w1 pic.twitter.com/Lqa8JhN27y
On Feb. 4, the broadcaster received criticism from China's Foreign Ministry over its coverage of Beijing's response to the coronavirus pandemic. The ministry rejected the reports by calling them "fake news."
This article has been adapted from its original source.