China's media clamp will apply to foreign press

A proposed Chinese law to restrict the country's media from reporting on "sudden incidents" would apply to all foreign media as well, an official involved in preparing the legislation said yesterday (see June 27 posting, China to curb media coverage). Fines will be imposed if news outlets publish "unauthorised" reports of outbreaks of disease, natural disasters and social disturbances. Wang Yongqing, vice minister of the legislative affairs office of China's State Council, said: "If a Chinese reporter goes to France or Britain, he has to abide by their laws." (Via iht.com)