HKJA Condemns Beijing Meeting With Foreign Press

The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) said on Friday that it is regrettable that Beijing officials are apparently trying to put pressure on the media over their coverage of proposed extradition law changes.

The association’s statement came after Foreign Ministry officials in Hong Kong told a number of overseas journalists at a meeting on Tuesday to “inject positive energy” into their reporting on the matter.

Deputy commissioner Song Ru'an also advised the foreign journalists to be "fair, balanced and objective", while adding that the law changes are "legal, necessary and urgent" to perfect Hong Kong's rule of law.

The association's statement said the duty of a journalist is to scrutinise the government, report on the truth and reveal social injustice, and the meeting had given people the impression that officials are exerting pressure on the media.

The association also said that Beijing officials holding a briefing on Hong Kong's internal affairs could also create confusion, and the move was inappropriate.