China hands suspended death sentence to writer Yang Jun for spying; Australia declares it ‘harrowing news’ for family
- Canberra summons China’s ambassador to Australia to express objections to the decision
- Chinese foreign ministry says Australian representatives were allowed to observe the court handing down its decision
It is one of the harshest sentences Beijing is known to have handed down for spying charges in recent years and casts a new shadow over relations between China and Australia.
“This is harrowing news for Dr Yang, his family and all who have supported him,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Monday.
“The Australian government will be communicating our response in the strongest terms.”
Wong said Canberra would summon China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, to “express our objection” but had no plans to recall Australia’s ambassador to China.
“Australia will not relent in our advocacy for justice for Dr Yang’s interests and well-being, including appropriate medical treatment. And we will continue to provide consular assistance to him and his family,” she said, adding that Yang still had the chance to appeal against the decision.
China’s foreign ministry said the court involved had “fully guaranteed his [Yang’s] rights and respected and implemented Australia’s consular rights, including the right to visit and receive notification”.
The ministry also said China had arranged for Australian representatives to observe the verdict being handed down.
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China hands down suspended death sentence to Australian writer Yang Jun for spying
His case first heard in Beijing No 2 Intermediate Court in 2021, but Australian diplomats were barred from attending the hearings.
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Australian journalist Cheng Lei in first interview since release from China detention
Yang studied international relations at Fudan University in Shanghai before going to Australia to pursue a master’s degree and a doctorate.
A former diplomat, Yang became an active blogger and frequent commentator on Chinese political and social events. He has also written a series of spy novels.
Canberra has also repeatedly called on Beijing to release Yang.
Improved China ties helped bring home detained journalist: Australian minister
Yang’s sentence is expected to affect Australia-China relations, which had improved since the election of Albanese’s Labor government.
