Cheng Lei wanted to do her job. A Chinese embassy official had other ideas

Even in Canberra’s Parliament House – Australia’s monument to democracy – Cheng Lei cannot avoid being hassled by the Chinese government.

Just eight months ago, Cheng was locked up in a detention facility in Beijing, facing a long prison sentence after being accused of vague national security charges.

She was released last October following strenuous lobbying by Australian officials. The Chinese-Australian journalist is now living freely in Australia and working as a journalist for Sky News.

In this capacity, Cheng attended a signing ceremony on Monday morning following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Under conditions demanded by the Chinese government, no questions would be taken from the media, but the two leaders would deliver some brief remarks.

All very civil and formal, supposedly. Then something strange happened.

Journalist Cheng Lei at a press conference after the incident.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

As Li and Albanese arrived at the event, a junior official from the Chinese embassy in Canberra planted himself in front of Cheng, who was sitting silently among a group of other Australian journalists. He then started filming the event on his iPhone.

At first, it was unclear exactly what was going on. Then it became apparent. The Chinese official, named Thomas, and a female colleague in a brown coat were trying to ensure Cheng would not feature in any footage or photographs of the event.

Public servants from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet figured out what was happening and implored Thomas to move. One asked, then another, then another.

But Thomas remained in place, solid as a statue, as if superglued to the floor. More senior Chinese embassy officials watched on.

Australian journalist Cheng Lei is “flanked” by two Chinese government officials during a signing ceremony at Parliament House on Monday.Credit: Nine

A female PM&C official approached Thomas and physically tried to move him aside, yet he remained. Thomas was not for turning, or moving, so much as one step.

As this was happening, Albanese and Li were delivering warm remarks about stabilising the relationship. They spoke of signing memorandums of understanding on climate change, trade and higher education.

In the media seats, a far less friendly view of the Australia-China relationship was playing out.

Another Australian journalist agreed to swap seats with Cheng, allowing her to move to an aisle seat where the view of her would not be blocked.

Even then, Thomas remained in place, obstructing the view of other Australian journalists. He refused to budge despite pleas from multiple Australian officials.

Albanese and Li beamed for the cameras, but the Australian public servants were ropeable.

“That was the height of rudeness,” one seethed, her face red with anger as she upbraided Thomas.

In his remarks at the event, Li vowed that “China will work with Australia in a spirit of mutual respect”.

A lovely sentiment. In practice, little respect was on display for Cheng, the other journalists in the room or Australian officials.

Australia was hosting this event, but the Chinese side thought it was setting the rules.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.