What did Cheng Lei do? Why was Cheng Lei arrested?

In February 2021, Cheng Lei was formally arrested on suspicion of “illegally supplying state secrets overseas.”

However, her eventual release in October 2023 marked the end of a challenging period in her life.

Her return to Australia brings relief not only to her family and friends but also to the global community that closely followed her story.

About Cheng Lei

Cheng Lei is a Chinese-born Australian television news anchor and accomplished business reporter, whose career has been defined by prestigious roles, making her a well-known figure in the industry.

Cheng’s professional journey led her to Beijing, where she served as a prominent news anchor for China Global Television Network (CGTN), China’s state-owned English-language news channel, from 2012 to 2020.

Notably, she also hosted the Global Business program, showcasing her expertise in business reporting. Prior to her tenure at CGTN, she spent nine years as CNBC’s China correspondent, solidifying her status as a respected journalist.

Her reporting portfolio includes covering significant events in China, such as the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.

Cheng Lei’s career reached new heights as she interviewed influential figures, including Bill Gates, José Manuel Barroso, John W. Snow, Rodrigo Rato, and Richard Branson.