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China-Australia relations
ChinaPolitics

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

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Australian writer Yang Jun, also known as Yang Hengjun, has been handed a suspended death sentence in China. Photo: Handout
Yuanyue Dangin Beijing
Australian writer Yang Jun has been given a suspended death sentence for espionage in China, according to the Australian government.

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.

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