China issues Bloomberg reporters press credentials after delay seen as retaliation for reports

BEIJING – Financial news agency Bloomberg says Beijing has issued the company's China-based reporters their press credentials.

The Chinese government's earlier delay in doing so had been seen as official retaliation for the agency's investigative reports on China and prompted public criticism from U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.

Bloomberg's spokeswoman in Singapore, Belina Tan, confirmed Thursday by email the company has received all of its China press cards and was operating as usual.

Foreign reporters working in China require press credentials from the foreign ministry before police will grant them permits that allow them to stay in the country.

For most reporters, obtaining a residence permit is only a formality after they have been issued press cards.

China's foreign ministry has said it treats foreign journalists according to Chinese laws and regulations.