Cheng Lei, Australian anchor detained in Beijing, accused of 'endangering China's national security'
ABCChina says an Australian television anchor being detained in Beijing is suspected of "criminal activities" endangering national security. Key points: Cheng Lei was a television presenter on the Chinese Government's English language channel She was detained by authorities in August, as tensions between China and Australia grew China said Ms Lei was suspected of criminal activity on the same day two Australian journalists left the country The confirmation of the allegations against Cheng Lei came on the same day two Australian journalists were rushed out of China after being questioned by the country's Ministry of State Security. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Ms Cheng was "suspected of carrying out criminal activities endangering China's national security." "It's simply ridiculous for Chinese authorities, for political manipulation, to show they have power over Australian citizens, journalists, or anyone else in China to intimidate the Australian Government and the public," he said.