China does not issue visas to New York Times and Bloomberg journalists

Chinese authorities have denied the extension of residence permits to correspondents of the American media, The New York Times and Bloomberg, allegedly because of their reports on the wealth of the families of leading politicians in China.

The Association of Foreign Correspondents in China announced today that nine out of twenty New York Times and Bloomberg correspondents could not extend their residence permits for next year.

"The authorities have not publicly presented an explanation for their actions, which gives the impression that they are gloating over the reports that caused the government's displeasure," the Association said, as reported by Radio Free Europe.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said today that foreign journalists are treated in accordance with regulations.

The New York Times and Bloomberg websites have been blocked in China since last year when they published detailed reports on the wealth of relatives of Chinese leaders, including President Xi and former premier Wen Jiabao.