‘Marred the day’: Cheng Lei blocked by Chinese officials at media event

Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell has labelled footage showing Sky News host Cheng Lei being blocked from cameras by a Chinese official as a “terrible look” and says it has “marred the day”.

Footage has emerged showing Sky News Australia host Cheng Lei being blocked from the view of cameras by a Chinese official during an important media event.

Formerly detained journalist Cheng Lei has spoken out after her view of a document signing and press conference with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Canberra was obstructed by Chinese officials on Monday.

A Chinese embassy official stood in front of Ms Cheng, who was sitting in an area assigned for media representatives.

“This is extraordinary, and it’s marred the day in my view,” Mr Clennell told Sky News Australia.

“This is a bad look, indeed.

“Cheng Lei blocked by Chinese embassy officials from seeing the joint press statement.

“It is a terrible look.”