Chinese communist authorities detain Bloomberg journalist for ‘national security’ concerns

She was last seen at 11:00 on Dec. 7 as officials escorted her away from her apartment complex. This was shortly after Fan ended a call with an editor from Bloomberg, according to the South Morning China Post.

Bloomberg’s editor in Chief, John Micklethwait, says the publication has deep concern for her wellbeing and trying to gather more information on her arrest.

"We have been doing our best to try and find out exactly where she is, what's happened and to try and get her back," Micklethwait said.

Han's family has been informed.

Authorities in Beijing confirmed that Fan had been detained on suspicion of criminal activity, according to the New York Post, stating however, that her rights would be protected. The details surrounding the investigation or the charges brought against Fan have not been disclosed.

"Chinese citizen Ms. Fan has been detained by the Beijing National Security Bureau according to relevant Chinese law on suspicion of engaging in criminal activities that jeopardize national security," authorities said.

"The case is currently under investigation. Ms. Fan’s legitimate rights have been fully ensured and her family has been notified."

Despite the reassurance, Journalists like Tom Mackenzie, a former coworker of Fan's, find her detainment alarming. Mackenzie described Fan as, "one of the most committed journalists out there."

As tensions between the United States and China have worsened, China has lashed out against international reporters. Officials also detained Cheng Lei, an Australian anchor and reporter who worked for a state-run broadcaster, for also allegedly undermining national security.

Journalists from the Washington Post, The New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal have all found their credentials revoked, preventing them from continuing to cover Chinese news, according to the Washington Post.

Other reports have preemptively fled the country, recognizing that Beijing intends to use a heavy hand against journalists that threaten its narrative of sovereignty.

Jimmy Lai, publisher of Hong Kong's pro-democracy Apple Daily has also been detained and charged this week.