BEIJING - Al Jazeera has closed the China bureau for its English channel after Chinese authorities refused to renew its correspondent's visa, marking the first such expulsion of an accredited foreign correspondent in over a decade.
Melissa Chan had reported from Beijing for Al Jazeera's English language channel since 2007, as well as maintaining a Twitter feed with over 14,000 followers.
China's foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment, and Chan also said she had no comment.
The Foreign Correspondents' Club of China (FCCC) said the Chinese authorities' decision to allow Chan's accreditation to lapse came after they expressed dissatisfaction about some of Al Jazeera's content, including a documentary produced overseas.
Chinese authorities also said that Chan, a US citizen, had violated unspecified rules and regulations, the FCCC said.
