At least 18 journalists in China forced to leave EU calls on China to respect freedom of expression and press

BBC journalist John Sudworth, who has been repeatedly pressured by Chinese officials for his reporting on human rights abuses in China, was reassigned from Beijing to Taiwan with his wife on Wednesday (March 31), and the European Union publicly called on China today to protect freedom of expression and the press.

According to Reuters, the EU said at least 18 journalists were forced to leave China last year, and they have repeatedly expressed concern to China about this.

The EU foreign policy spokesman said, “Foreign correspondents play a very important role in the exchange of information between the EU and China, and in promoting mutual understanding.” The EU also took the opportunity to call on China to comply with international regulations and ensure that the Chinese constitution adheres to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on freedom of expression and of the press.