CHINA has made clear it is using the alleged spying case against Xi Yang to tighten control on foreign journalists, warning them in the People's Daily yesterday that those who break the law will be punished, writes John Kohut.

''The punishment of criminals and the protection of freedom of news coverage are two totally different things,'' the People's Daily said. ''Whoever steals state secrets will be punished. The Chinese Government protects the freedom of news coverage but not the freedom of stealing state secrets.'' CHINA has made clear it is using the alleged spying case against Xi Yang to tighten control on foreign journalists, warning them in the People's Daily yesterday that those who break the law will be punished, writes John Kohut.

''The punishment of criminals and the protection of freedom of news coverage are two totally different things,'' the People's Daily said. ''Whoever steals state secrets will be punished. The Chinese Government protects the freedom of news coverage but not the freedom of stealing state secrets.''