THERE was no sign of an early release for Ming Pao journalist Xi Yang, jailed in China for 12 years for 'stealing state secrets', said Secretary for Home Affairs Michael Suen Ming-yeung. Mr Suen said the Hong Kong Government had informed Chinese authorities of the territory's widespread concern about Xi's treatment in prison. The media's demand for a clearer guidelines for journalists working in China had also been expressed. Xi's case was again raised by the British Foreign Secretary, Douglas Hurd, during his meeting with Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen in New York in September, Mr Suen said. Xi was jailed in April. He was accused of reporting information leaked to him by a bank clerk.
