(CFP)

Qiu Ziming, a reporter with Beijing-Based business weekly The Economic Observer, became a public focus in late July after an unlawful arrest warrant for him triggered widespread concern about journalistic supervision.

The police in Suichang, east China's Zhejiang Province, issued the warrant on July 23, after Zhejiang Kan Specialty Material Co. Ltd. accused Qiu of defamation.

A review by the police authorities of Lishui, which administers Suichang, found the warrant failed to meet statutory requirements. The Suichang police were ordered to revoke the warrant and apologize to Qiu.

Qiu has published four stories since May in The Economic Observer indicating Shenzhen-listed Kan Specialty Material was involved in insider trading. The publication said Qiu's reporting was based on sound evidence and it had subjected the reports to extensive scrutiny before publishing them.

"News organizations have the right to know, interview, cover, criticize and monitor events regarding national and public interests. Journalistic activities by news organizations and their reporters are protected by law," said the General Administration of Press and Publication.