The Australian academic, Yang Hengjun, has recently been given a suspended death sentence by a Chinese court after spending five years in detention on espionage charges. This alarming development has sent shockwaves through the international community and raised concerns about human rights abuses in China.
What Did Yang Hengjun Do?
Yang Hengjun, a 57-year-old pro-democracy blogger and Australian citizen born in China, was arrested in 2019 at Guangzhou airport on charges of spying for an undisclosed foreign country. His trial, which took place in May 2021, was held behind closed doors, and the verdict was not publicly disclosed. The severity of the sentence has left Yang’s family shocked and devastated.
What Happened to Yang Hengjun
Associate Prof Chongyi Feng, Yang’s PhD supervisor in Australia, vehemently denounced the verdict, stating, “Dr Yang did not commit any crime of espionage. He is [being] punished by the Chinese government for his criticism of human rights abuses in China and his advocacy for universal values such as human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.”
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, expressed deep dismay, saying, “Australia will not relent in our advocacy for justice for Dr Yang’s interests and wellbeing.” Wong added that the Australian government had raised objections with
The Chinese ambassador, Xiao Qian, in the strongest terms. The sentence received by Yang is formally described as a death sentence with a two-year reprieve, a common ruling in China that allows for commutation after two years of good behavior.
Li Qiaochu’s Sentencing and Implications
On the same day as Yang’s sentencing, women’s rights activist Li Qiaochu was sentenced to three years and eight months for “inciting subversion of state power.” Amnesty International’s China director, Sarah Brooks, emphasized the dangers of peacefully advocating for human rights in Xi Jinping’s China, stating, “Li has been ruthlessly targeted for expressing views the Chinese authorities would prefer to suppress.”
Calls for Immediate Action
Despite the severity of the sentence, there are still avenues of appeal. However, Yang Hengjun is reportedly in critical condition after five years of arbitrary detention and torture. Chongyi Feng urged Australia to press for Yang’s immediate return, potentially on medical parole, to ensure he can access the necessary medical treatment.
Impact on Australia-China Relations
The sentencing of Yang Hengjun has further strained the already tense relationship between China and Australia. Foreign Minister Penny Wong, while condemning the decision, played down its potential broader impact on the bilateral relationship, noting that the decision was made “within China’s legal system.”
Australia’s Shadow Foreign Minister, Simon Birmingham, highlighted the risks involved in engaging with China, stating that the sentence serves as “a reminder of the risks that apply in doing business or engaging with China.” Human Rights Watch’s Australia director, Daniela Gavshon, called for a coalition of governments to lobby for the release of those wrongfully detained in China.
