Rights groups say China detained two journalists over corruption report

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete February 4, 2026 at 04:42 AM

AI Summary

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Two Chinese investigative journalists, Liu Hu and Wu Yingjiao, were detained by police on Sunday after reportedly publishing a report exposing corruption by a senior official in Sichuan province. Chengdu police stated that two men, identified by their surnames Liu and Wu, are under investigation for "making false accusations" and "illegal business operations." Rights groups have expressed concern over media repression in China, noting that Liu had previously been arrested in 2013 for alleged defamation after accusing an official of corruption. According to Chinese Human Rights Defenders, Liu was planning to travel to Beijing when he disappeared, while Wu was taken by police in Hebei province. Reporters Without Borders has condemned the arrests, calling on the international community to pressure China to end its repression of independent reporting.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Aleksandra Bielakowska 40% Beijing 40% Hebei province 40% Chongqing 40% Chengdu ×250% Sichuan province 60% Chinese government 70% Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ×270% Chinese Human Rights Defenders 75% Wu Yingjiao ×280% Liu Hu ×890% China ×595%

Keywords

investigative journalists 90% corruption 90% china 90% detention 80% liu hu 70% media repression 70% rights groups 70% false accusations 60% wu yingjiao 60% illegal business operations 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.80

Source Transparency

Source

BBC News - World

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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investigative journalists corruption china detention liu hu media repression rights groups false accusations wu yingjiao illegal business operations

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