Beijing’s Delicate Dance with Press Freedom The recent antics of Chinese officials attempting to obstruct the view of former Australian journalist Cheng Lei at a media event highlight the strained relationship between Beijing and press freedom. Lei, now a Sky News journalist after serving time in a Chinese prison, attended the signing ceremony between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. As proceedings commenced, a Chinese embassy official positioned himself in front of Lei, blocking her view and preventing her from being captured on camera. Despite requests to move, the official remained steadfast. A fellow journalist offered to swap seats with Lei, and she was escorted away by Australian officials. Lei described the incident as feeling like an “endangered species” requiring protection from Australian officials. She speculated that the Chinese officials were attempting to prevent her from appearing in the same shot as Chinese ministers. “The only audience that matters is the domestic audience, and maybe an audience of one,” she said, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The incident played out against the backdrop of discussions of “mutual respect” between Australia and China. Albanese claimed not to have witnessed the incident but emphasized the importance of allowing free participation in such events. Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham condemned the Chinese officials’ actions as “counterproductive” and a reminder of the contrasting values between the two countries. While Lei enjoys her newfound freedom, another Australian, writer Yang Hengjun, remains imprisoned in China. He received a suspended death sentence on national security charges in February, and his health is reportedly deteriorating. Albanese raised Yang’s case with Premier Li, reiterating Australia’s opposition to capital punishment. The Chinese embassy’s silence on the matter underscores Beijing’s discomfort with press freedom. The incident serves as a reminder that despite the diplomatic niceties, China remains steadfast in its suppression of dissent and its intolerance of independent journalism.