CPJ expresses concern over new restrictions on journalists in China

A US-based media watchdog has expressed concern over the new restrictions imposed on journalists in China, saying it undermines the role of media.

"The restrictions made public today are part of a much larger government crackdown aimed at suppressing criticism of any subject deemed harmful by the government of President Xi Jinping to its own interests," Bob Dietz, Asia program coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), alleged.

"It effectively undermines the watchdog role of the media by threatening to punish any journalist or media organisation reporting news that has not been approved by the government," he said.

If authorities succeed in implementing these restrictions, there will be a significant curtailment of the already limited sphere of free speech in China, he added.

Since it came to power in March 2013, the Xi government has steadily increased pressure on Chinese and international media, CPJ alleged.

Journalists-including some from Hong Kong-have been jailed, harassed, or expelled, and restrictions on social media tightened.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is an independent non-profit organisation, based in New York.