China holds 110 journalists in prison, ranked 178th in global press freedom index
Synopsis
China has once again claimed the grim distinction of being the world's largest jailer of journalists, with 110 reporters behind bars and a ranking of 178th out of 180 nations in RSF's 2025 Press Freedom Index. The case of Zhang Zhan — jailed twice, denied a lawyer, and isolated from the world — has become the human face of a repression that RSF says now extends far beyond China's own borders.
Key Takeaways
China ranked 178th out of 180 in the RSF World Press Freedom Index 2025 , dropping two spots from 176th last year.
110 journalists and 3 media workers are currently detained in China, making it the world's largest prison for journalists.
Journalist Zhang Zhan was sentenced on 19 September 2025 to four years on charges RSF calls fabricated; she has been denied legal counsel since her second conviction.
Diplomats from at least 7 countries and 5 activists were barred from observing Zhan's closed-door trial.
RSF's Aleksandra Bielakowska called on the international community to intensify pressure on Beijing to release Zhan and ensure her access to medical care.
China scored 21.66 in the economic indicator, ranking 173rd , with political and legal indicators both placing it 179th .
China remained the world's largest prison for journalists in 2025, with 110 journalists and three media workers currently behind bars, according to the latest annual World Press Freedom Index released by Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The report, published on 3 May, found that Beijing has systematically deployed surveillance, coercion, intimidation, and harassment to suppress independent reporting on issues it deems politically sensitive.
Where China Stands in the Global Rankings
China has been ranked 178th out of 180 nations in the RSF's World Press Freedom Index, dropping two spots from its previous ranking of 176th. It sits just above North Korea (179th) and Eritrea (180th), placing it among the most repressive media environments on the planet. Across individual indicators, China ranked 179th in both the political and legal indicators, 177th in the social indicator, and 173rd in the economic indicator, with a score of 21.66. RSF described these figures as evidence of systemic constraints spanning governance, legal frameworks, societal conditions, and media sustainability.
The Case of Zhang Zhan: A Symbol of Persecution
Among the most prominent cases highlighted by RSF is that of journalist Zhang Zhan, who was sentenced on 19 September 2025 to four years in prison on what RSF termed a fabricated charge of
Point of View
Denied counsel, and isolated, with diplomats physically barred from her trial. That is not a legal system malfunctioning — it is one functioning exactly as designed. RSF's call to 'intensify pressure' raises the harder question of what pressure, applied by whom, and with what consequence for Beijing. Without credible economic or diplomatic costs, the annual index risks becoming a ritual of documentation rather than a catalyst for change.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RSF World Press Freedom Index and how did China rank in 2025?
The RSF World Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking by Paris-based Reporters Without Borders measuring media freedom across 180 nations. In 2025, China ranked 178th — dropping two spots from 176th in 2024 — placing it third from the bottom, ahead of only North Korea and Eritrea.
How many journalists does China currently hold in detention?
According to RSF's 2025 report, China holds 110 journalists and three media workers in detention, making it the world's largest jailer of journalists by a significant margin.
Who is Zhang Zhan and why is her case significant?
Zhang Zhan is a Chinese journalist first arrested in May 2020 for reporting from Wuhan during the Covid-19 outbreak. She was convicted a second time on 19 September 2025 and sentenced to four years in prison on charges RSF describes as fabricated. Since her re-sentencing she has been denied access to a lawyer and isolated from the outside world, drawing international condemnation.
What methods does China use to suppress journalism according to RSF?
RSF reports that China uses surveillance, coercion, intimidation, and harassment to prevent independent journalists from covering topics it considers sensitive. The organisation also alleges Beijing extends this repression globally, targeting diaspora journalists and pressuring foreign governments.
What is the international community being asked to do?
RSF's Aleksandra Bielakowska has called on the international community to intensify pressure on Beijing to end its persecution of Zhang Zhan, guarantee her access to adequate medical care, and secure her immediate and unconditional release.
