6-2-2024 (SYDNEY) Australian Prime Minister Albanese has denounced the Beijing court’s decision to hand down a suspended death sentence to Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun on espionage charges. He vowed to persist in efforts to secure Yang Hengjun’s release.
Speaking in Canberra on Tuesday (February 6), Albanese expressed his “frustration, despair, outrage” at the verdict, stating, “We will continue to make the strongest representations. Of course, we summoned the (Chinese) ambassador yesterday, but we will make representations at all levels.” He affirmed his government’s commitment to responding “directly, clearly, and unmistakably” to China’s severe action.
Yang Hengjun, detained since 2021, received a suspended death sentence from a Beijing court on Monday, likely to be commuted to life imprisonment after two years. The verdict shocked his family and supporters. While analysts doubt this will derail Australia-China relations, it will test Canberra’s resolve in restoring bilateral ties.
Yang Hengjun, detained upon arrival in Guangzhou from the US in January 2019, faced charges of espionage. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced the verdict, stating that the court protected Yang Jun’s rights and respected Australia’s consular rights, allowing visitation and observation of the trial.
Yang Jun, Yang Hengjun’s real name, hails from China. Reports suggest he served in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs before resigning, entering business, and later obtaining Australian citizenship in 2000.
Albanese assumed office in May 2022, stabilising China-Australia relations. His planned visit to China in November 2023, coupled with a high-level reception, marks the first Australian prime ministerial visit to China in seven years.
