Government hails Aussie's 'resilience' in Chinese jail on dark anniversary

Thursday, 5 February 2026 17:22

Today marks two years since the pro-democracy activist was given a suspended death sentence but he's been behind bars for far longer.

The federal government has praised the resilience of Australian writer Yang Jun, who has been detained in China since 2019, on an alarming anniversary.

The pro-democracy activist has been in jail for seven years on espionage charges and today marks two years since he was given a suspended death sentence by a court in Beijing.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong offered her thoughts to him and his family.

Yang Hengjun, left, poses with a family member in Beijing. Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne said her government was "deeply disappointed" that the Chinese-Australian writer was placed in criminal detention in Beijing six months after he was taken into custody at a Chinese airport.

"Today marks two years since Australian citizen, Dr Yang Jun, received a suspended death sentence in Beijing," she said today.

"Dr Yang has demonstrated remarkable resilience and fortitude in the face of great challenges for the past seven years of his detention.

"Today our thoughts are with Dr Yang and his loved ones. We want to see him reunited with his family."

Yang was detained in January 2019 on espionage charges after arriving in Guangzhou from New York.

He has maintained his innocence.

He was tried behind closed doors two years later, but a verdict was delayed until February 5, 2024, when he was given a suspended death sentence.

The federal government understands the sentence could be dropped to life in jail following two years of good behaviour.

Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun attends a lecture at Beijing Institute of Technology in Beijing, China, in 2010.

There may also be an appeal process he is able to pursue.

But Yang's family and supporters grew concerned when he revealed he is suffering from a large cyst on his kidney.

They fear he could die in prison without adequate medical care.

Australia's relationship with China has improved after the lifting of trade sanctions, diplomatic visits and the release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei from detention in 2023.

Wong said the federal government was continuing to advocate for Yang at every occasion.

"The Australian government has made clear to China that we remain appalled by Dr Yang's suspended death sentence," she said.

"Dr Yang is entitled to basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment, in accordance with international norms and China's legal obligations.

"We advocate consistently for Dr Yang's welfare and conditions."

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.