Media Outlets Voice Alarm After Report of 'Disappearance' of Hong Kong Journalist in China
Concerns grow over Hong Kong journalist Minnie Chan's safety as media groups express alarm after she allegedly disappeared while covering a security forum in Beijing Press freedom advocates fear for her well-being and question the circumstances surrounding her mysterious disappearance
Press freedom organizations have expressed worry for Minnie Chan, a seasoned journalist from Hong Kong, after reports surfaced that she had gone missing while covering a security forum in Beijing in late October. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) stated on Monday that they were "deeply concerned" about Chan's disappearance and called on Beijing to reveal her location and, if she has been detained, to release her without delay.
The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed concern on Friday, urging Chinese authorities to reveal her whereabouts and ensure her safety. According to a report by Japanese outlet Kyodo News on Thursday, Chan, a journalist for the South China Morning Post (SCMP), went missing after visiting Beijing to cover the Xiangshan forum. She covers defense and diplomacy for the Hong Kong-based newspaper.
Sources close to the situation reported concerns that Chan may be the subject of an investigation by mainland authorities. The South China Morning Post released a statement indicating that Chan had taken a personal leave.
"According to her family, she is currently in Beijing dealing with a personal matter and has requested privacy. Though her safety has been assured, details are unavailable," the newspaper reported.
"The safety of our journalists during their work is our top priority at the South China Morning Post. This is a fundamental principle for us," the statement affirmed. It additionally mentioned ongoing support and communication with Chan's family.
During a regular press briefing last week, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry responded to the Kyodo News report by stating that he was "not aware of that."
Expressing deep concern for Chan's safety, the Hong Kong Journalists Association has requested additional information from the SCMP. The trade union, which advocates for press freedom, has urged anyone with information to come forward including friends or relatives.
Chan is a respected journalist in Hong Kong and is also well-regarded by international audiences who are interested in China news. She is recognized for her in-depth reporting and reliable sources when covering China's military and its advancements.
She has worked with the SCMP since 2005, a prominent English-language newspaper in Hong Kong that is owned by the Hangzhou-based tech company Alibaba.
Recent high-profile cases have raised concerns about journalists being detained in mainland China, where the court processes and detentions are often secretive. Australian TV anchor Cheng Lei was detained for over three years on opaque espionage charges before being released and returned home. Haze Fan, a Chinese national working for Bloomberg News, was also detained in 2020 but has since been released.
China is ranked 179 out of 180 in the 2023 RSF World Press Freedom Index, making it the largest captor of journalists and press freedom defenders. The organization reports that at least 121 individuals are detained in China.
