'Totally and utterly unacceptable' for Cheng Lei to be blocked by Chinese officials
Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson says it is “totally and utterly unacceptable” after footage emerged showing Sky News Australia host Cheng Lei being blocked from the view of cameras by a Chinese official.
Formerly detained journalist Cheng Lei has spoken out after her view of a document signing and press conference with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Canberra was obstructed by Chinese officials on Monday.
A Chinese embassy official stood in front of Cheng Lei, who was sitting in an area assigned for media representatives.
Mr Albanese was questioned about the moment on Monday by The Daily Telegraph’s Clare Armstrong.
“I didn’t see that,” Mr Albanese replied.
Ms Paterson spoke to Sky News Australia about the moment, saying Prime Minister Albanese’s response was “not credible”.
“This kind of behaviour on our soil, in our Parliament, is totally and utterly unacceptable,” Mr Paterson said.
“We do not body-block journalists from filming in our Parliament House and for Chinese officials to behave this way in our country shows disrespect for our Parliament and our customs and frankly I think there should be an apology from the Chinese delegation for this behaviour.”
'Totally and utterly unacceptable' for Cheng Lei to be blocked by Chinese officials