Australia hits out at China’s charges against spy writer Yang Hengjun
- Australian foreign minister ‘strongly objects’ to formal indictment of author and democracy advocate
- Yang’s poor health makes him vulnerable to coronavirus, Marise Payne says
Australia has criticised China for formally charging a Chinese-Australian writer with espionage during the coronavirus pandemic.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said her government “strongly objects” to news that China had formally charged the 54-year-old spy novelist and democracy advocate.
“Crises are a time for nations to pull together. It is not in the spirit of mutual respect and trust that our continued advocacy for Dr Yang has not been acknowledged,” Payne said.
The Chinese embassy described Payne’s statement as “deplorable”.
“The Chinese relevant authorities are investigating the case in accordance with Chinese law,” an embassy statement said. “We urge the Australian side to respect China’s judicial sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the legal process in any form.”