Chinese journalists staying in India asks to leave the country before 31st July

New Delhi, July 24 : Three Chinese journalists representing the state-run Xinhua news agency have been doing “activities beyond their official work”, denied permission to stay on in India and asked them to leave the country before July 31.

According to sources, the three journalists – Delhi-based Bureau Chief Wu Qiang and two reporters in Mumbai Tang Lu and Ma Qiang – were being watched by security agencies for several months, reported by NDTV.

Their visas had expired in January and since then they were being extended regularly. They will have to return by July 31.

Sources say China is free to send other journalists to India in their place and insist the decision is not linked to China’s opposition to India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG.

The decision is likely to strain the already tense ties between the two countries.

China’s blocking of India’s bid has been read by analysts as Beijing’s determination to curtail the influence of India and demonstrate its power to the US, which has volubly pushed India’s cause.