China detains Australian writer for alleged espionage

An outspoken Australian writer and pro-democracy activist, Yang Hengjun has been arrested and jailed without charge by Chinese authorities after he was accused of espionage.

Yang who is of Chinese origin has been held in Beijing in “harsh conditions” according to Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement on Tuesday.

“We have serious concerns for Dr Yang’s welfare, and about the conditions under which he is being held,” Payne added.

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“If Dr Yang is being held for his political beliefs, he should be released,” Payne said.

“We expect, that basic standards of justice and procedural fairness are met.”

Yang who made a rare return to China from a trip to the United States, was formally arrested on Friday, August 23.

According to reports, Yang had served in the Chinese foreign ministry before moving to Australia, where he worked as a writer and academic.

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