The state-controlled All-China Journalists Association followed the government on Friday in blasting a Trump administration move that will cap the number of Chinese journalists allowed to work in the United States, resulting in the de-facto expulsion of about one-third of them.
In a statement, the association said Washington's actions have seriously violated the normal and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese journalists in carrying out news reporting overseas, damaged the reputation of Chinese media and journalists, and interfered with their normal work abroad."
That closely echoed the wording of a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement issued Tuesday that accused Washington of harbouring a Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice."
The administration's move was also denounced by international journalist advocacy group, Reporters Without Borders, which called on the US to immediately rescind the cap and said both governments must put an end to the weaponisation of media as a tool to retaliate against the other nation."
Responding to the criticism on Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the cap was imposed in service of President Trump's mission to establish greater reciprocity in our relationship with China."