Aussie media pushed out of Albo, Xi meet

Australia camera crews were pushed out of the room by Chinese security guards prior to the conclusion of remarks between Anthony Albanese and Chinese President Xi Jinping, just an hour or so after an Australian media bus was intercepted by Chinese security.

While media were allowed to capture the opening speeches, live footage captured by Australian news crews showed one security guard ushering media out of the room as the Prime Minister was speaking, blocking the cameraman’s view.

The instructions were followed and the meeting proceeded without incident.

Generally media presence at high-level talks between world leaders is closely monitored, and while journalists, photographers and camera crews are given permission to capture opening remarks, they must leave the room before formal discussions commence.

During his opening remarks, Mr Albanese noted Mr Xi’s remarks on “seeking common ground while sharing differences”.

“That approach has, indeed, produced very positive benefits for both Australia and for China,” he said, stoking the benefits of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

While he said “Australia values our relationship with China,” talks will be done in a “calm and consistent manner guided by our national interest”.

“It is in our national interest, and indeed, in the interest of the region as well. It is important that we have these direct discussions on issues that matter to us, and to the stability and prosperity of our region,” he said.

“As you and I have agreed previously, dialogue needs to be at the centre of our relationship, and I welcome the opportunity to set out Australia’s views and interests and our thinking on how we can maintain peace, security, stability and prosperity in our region.”

About an hour before, an Australian media bus in Beijing was intercepted while filming Beijing’s iconic Drum and Bell towers.

Australian officials had obtained permission for reporters and film crews prior to arriving at the destination but as the Australian crews were filming at the tourist hotspot, local authorities moved in.

One reporter on the bus said the authorities stopped crews filming and told them they “couldn’t leave”.

But the media pack left anyway.

NewsWire understands no one was injured and all involved are safe.

China’s media for domestic residents is highly regulated, censored and state-owned.

To report in China, foreign press must undergo strict accreditation, with global social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google and YouTube banned in mainland China.

In August 2020, Australian journalist Cheng Lei was detained in China and later formally arrested on the suspicion of illegally supplying state secrets overseas.

She was released in October 2023 after more than 1100 days of detention.

Tuesday’s altercation occurred about an hour before the Prime Minister was due to meet Mr Xi, and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.