The Global Times, a state-run media outlet in China, on Monday warned of repercussions after India asked three Chinese journalists to leave the country, supposedly because they had overstayed their visas. Calling the expulsion a “petty act”, the editorial in the English daily pointed to speculation that the move was India’s reaction to China not backing its bid for membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group. If this was the case, the piece claimed, then “there will be serious consequences”.
The editorial also dismissed reports that the three journalists, who worked for the Xinhua new agency, had assumed fake names to get classified information and spoken to Tibetan activists. “…there is absolutely no need for Chinese journalists in India to conduct interviews under fake names and it is completely normal for reporters to request interviews with the Dalai Lama group,” the editorial said.
The piece decried India’s actions as sending “negative messages” that could have an adverse impact on bilateral ties. It also suggested that China should respond on the visa issue. “We at least should make a few Indians feel Chinese visas are also not easy to get,” it concluded.
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