U.S. and Hong Kong (2005)

State Department Briefing, August 8

State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli briefed reporters August 8.

Following is the transcript of the State Department briefing:

(begin transcript)

U.S. Department of State
Daily Press Briefing
Monday, August 8, 2005
1:15 p.m. EDT

Briefer: Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

QUESTION: It's sort of old business but at the end of last week, the Chinese authorities filed spy charges against the Hong Kong correspondent of the Straits Times -- of Singapore -- who was a Hong Kong resident. I'm wondering if you have any reaction to that or about the implications this has on freedoms in Hong Kong?

MR. ERELI: We are concerned about the arrest of Mr. Ching Cheong and following his case closely. As you suggest, freedom of the press is a fundamental and internationally recognized right. We view any attempt to restrict this right with great concern. We have spoken to the Chinese of our concerns about the treatment of journalists in general and the important roles they play in providing information to the public. We have also raised Mr. Ching's case and we intend to seek additional information from China.

Peter.

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

(This briefing was concluded at 2:05 p.m.)

(end transcript)