Two Chinese Journalists Are Detained for Reporting on Corruption

In February 2026, Chinese authorities detained two investigative journalists, Liu Hu and Wu Yingjiao, for reporting on corruption involving a local official in Sichuan Province. The journalists' article, published online, detailed alleged illegal property seizures by the official in Pujiang County. Police in Chengdu cited "false accusations" and "illegal business operations" as reasons for the detention. The detentions occurred amidst a broader anti-corruption campaign led by Xi Jinping, but demonstrate the Communist Party's unwillingness to allow independent investigations. The article has since been removed by Chinese censors, highlighting the shrinking space for independent voices in China.

Chinese journalist Liu Hu and his assistant Wu Lingjiao were detained by police in Chengdu's Jinjiang district, Sichuan province on Monday. The detention was announced via a police notice citing suspicion of "false accusations" and "illegal business operations." Liu, a veteran investigative reporter, had recently published an article critical of Pu Fayou, the Communist Party secretary of Pujiang county, alleging abuse of power and involvement in a property dispute that led to a suicide in 2021. The article, published on Liu's WeChat account, has since been deleted. The detentions have raised concerns about the potential abuse of power in response to journalistic scrutiny of local officials.