An estimated 320 journalists were imprisoned around the world in 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
The govt under President Xi Jinping arrested a total of 44 journalists in 2023, the most by any country.
Myanmar ranks a close second with 43 arrests, followed by Belarus which has 28 journalists in jail.
Russia takes the fourth spot with 22 journalists arrested during the year, many of them foreign nationals.
The country continues to impose harsh sentences and tough prison condition on journalists, according to CPJ.
Israel made a rapid ascent to the sixth spot, which it shares with Iran. 17 journalists are jailed in each country.
All 17 journalists held in Israel are Palestinians arrested since the start of war, the report said.
India ranks 11th on CPJ's list with 7 journalists in jail in 2023.