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National Press Club Recognizes Dong Yuyu

On August 20, 2025, the National Press Club announced the 2025 President's Award will be presented to Dong Yuyu, a notable Chinese journalist who has been imprisoned in Beijing since February 2022. Convicted on espionage charges, Dong’s appeal is ongoing.

During the announcement, Mike Balsamo, President of the National Press Club, emphasized that "Journalism is not espionage." He called for the immediate release of Dong, asserting that the journalist is a victim of his own work and words. The National Press Club urges Chinese authorities to cease criminalizing regular news reporting and connections with foreign journalists.

Dong Yuyu, a respected editor and columnist for a leading Chinese daily, is recognized for his insightful commentary focused on economics and social reform. His career has included a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University and participation in various international programs, including those in Japan. Tragically, he was just three months away from retirement when he was detained after a meal with a Japanese diplomat in Beijing.

Balsamo further commented, "Detaining a journalist for doing his job undermines the fundamental principles of press freedom and human rights. Each moment Dong Yuyu remains in prison is a moment that brings China further away from international standards. Our campaign for his release will not cease."

About Dong Yuyu

Dong has made significant contributions to journalism, advocating for international academic exchange and professional collaboration. His writings include content published on The New York Times’ Chinese-language site. His unjust detention highlights broader issues surrounding press freedom and human rights in China.

The President's Award

The National Press Club's President's Award is intended to honor journalists who exemplify bravery, integrity, and service to the public’s right to know. Dong's recognition is a notable statement against the suppression of free speech and emphasizes the essential role that journalists play in a well-informed society.

The award will be accepted by Dong's son, Yifu, during the Club’s Awards Dinner, set for August 27, 2025. Yifu is expected to share reflections on his father's career and the urgency surrounding his case.

National Press Club Overview

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club serves as a primary organization for journalists globally, representing over 2,500 members. Through its Press Freedom Center, the Club advocates for journalists' rights to operate freely and securely, striving to protect press freedom worldwide.

For media interested in covering the awards dinner, details can be obtained by contacting Bill McCarren, Director of the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club.

This recognition and the continued advocacy for Dong Yuyu's release highlight ongoing struggles faced by journalists in oppressive regimes and the vital need for international solidarity in the defense of press freedom.