Ching Cheong

Ching Cheong (Chinese程 翔, Pinyin Cheung, born December 3, 1949 in Chaozhou ) is a Chinese journalist from The Straits Times. The general public, he was known for his detention by China for alleged espionage.

In April 2005, Ching was arrested for allegedly spying for the Republic of China ( Taiwan) - accusations which he has denied. However, according to speculation the arrest was in connection with research on Zhao Ziyang. Ching was sentenced to more than five years' imprisonment, of which he had to atone for more than half. During the detention period, he took off 15 kg. In February 2008, Ching was released early from prison. Unclear in this case, however, was how the release was a sign of good will before the Olympic Summer Games in Beijing.