The Chairs of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) have spoken out on World Press Freedom Day, highlighting the concerning state of press freedom in the People's Republic of China.

Representative Christopher Smith and Senator Jeff Merkley emphasized the dire situation in China, stating, "The People’s Republic of China (PRC) jails more journalists and exports more propaganda than any other country in the world." They also noted that China ranks second to last on the World Press Freedom Index, with a shrinking media environment and increasing censorship efforts.

The Chairs stressed the importance of press freedom in the U.S.-China relationship, pointing out that independent journalism is crucial for exposing corruption, atrocities, and abuses of power. They highlighted the role of a free press in fostering understanding between the American and Chinese people, emphasizing that media restrictions limit not only global knowledge about China but also the Chinese people's understanding of their own government.

In a call to action, the Chairs honored the courage of those in China who strive for truth despite government suppression. They urged the Biden Administration to prioritize the cases of detained journalists, bloggers, and media professionals in China and Hong Kong. The list of individuals mentioned includes prominent names like Chen Jieren, Jimmy Lai, and Zhang Zhan, among others.

The statement from the Chairs of the CECC serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by journalists and media professionals in China and underscores the importance of advocating for press freedom on a global scale.