‘Inherent tension’: Blocking of Cheng Lei speaks to Australia-China relationship

Liberal MP Aaron Violi says the blocking of Cheng Lei by a Chinese official at a media event highlights the “inherent tension” between Australia and the CCP. Formerly detained journalist Cheng Lei has spoken out after her view of a document signing and press conference with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Canberra was obstructed by Chinese officials on Monday. “A free press is so crucial to our democracy here in Australia,” Mr Violi told Sky News Australia. “How we maximise our economic opportunities while never compromising on our democracy and the freedom of journalists ... is one of these tensions that we’ve got to continue to navigate with Xi Jinping and the CCP.”