PM ‘can’t’ avoid question on official’s ‘display of heavy-handedness’ against Cheng Lei
Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “can’t” avoid a question on a Chinese official’s “display of heavy-handedness” against Sky News host Cheng Lei.
Footage has emerged showing Sky News Australia host Cheng Lei being blocked from the view of cameras by a Chinese official during an important media event.
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.
PM ‘can’t’ avoid question on official’s ‘display of heavy-handedness’ against Cheng Lei
A Chinese embassy official stood in front of Ms Cheng, who was sitting in an area assigned for media representatives.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang is in Canberra as he continues his tour of Australia.
“I can’t see him avoiding a question on this one, and I wonder how he’ll handle it because there’s not an easy way to handle it,” Mr Clennell told Sky News Australia.
“He wants to keep everything friendly, and yet, we’ve had this display of heavy-handedness by the Chinese official.”