US 'deeply concerned' after China denies US reporter's visa

The US Embassy says it is "deeply concerned" about restrictions on the work of foreign and domestic journalists in China following Beijing's refusal to renew the visa for an American correspondent for BuzzFeed News.

Reporter Megha Rajagopalan was compelled to leave the country after her visa application was denied in apparent punishment for her work on subjects considered sensitive by the communist government.

China has given no details on the reason behind Rajagopalan's effective expulsion and the Embassy statement did not mention her by name.

However, it said mentioned delays in processing foreign journalist visas, travel restrictions and violence at the hands of local authorities among its concerns.

It said better access in China was necessary to "ensure reciprocity" for the open access Chinese media enjoy in the US.