Beijing Imposes ‘Suspended Death Sentence’ on Australian Citizen Following Taiwan Threats

In this 2017 photo provided by his family, Yang Hengjun, left, poses with his family member in Beijing. Yang Family Photo via AP

Australian citizen and writer, Yang Hengjun, has received a suspended death sentence after being detained by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for the last five years.

This comes just weeks after the communist regime threatened Australia not to support Taiwan’s democratic system, after presidential elections concluded in late January.

On Feb. 5, the Australian government revealed that Mr. Yang had been subject to a death sentence in Beijing.

However, the government said the sentence could be reduced to life imprisonment after two years if Mr. Yang did not commit any serious crimes during the period—essentially closing the door on any hopes of Mr. Yang’s return to Australia.

Mr. Yang, a novelist and pro-democracy writer who immigrated to Australia in 1999, was arrested by the CCP in 2019 on alleged espionage charges, which he has strongly denied.

The writer was subject to a closed trial on May 27, 2021; however, his verdict and sentence have been repeatedly delayed.

According to Mr. Yang’s family, his physical condition rapidly declined in recent months, causing him to remain bedridden.

Government’s Response

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong expressed condolences to Mr. Yang’s family after hearing the news.

“This is harrowing news for Dr. Yang, his family, and all who have supported him,” she said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with them. I acknowledge the acute distress they will all be feeling after many years of uncertainty.”

Nevertheless, the minister said the Australian government would protest the sentence and take action to protect Mr. Yang’s interest.

“The Australian government will be communicating our response in the strongest terms,” she said.

“We will continue to press for Dr. Yang’s interests and well-being, including appropriate medical treatment, and provide consular assistance to him and his family.

“All Australians want to see Dr. Yang reunited with his family. We will not relent in our advocacy.”

Meanwhile, Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Birmingham said the Labor government should make it a priority to continue to advocate on Mr. Yang’s behalf.

We must work to ensure he has access to the medical treatment and consular services that are his right,” he said.

“The Australian government must argue for his release and return to Australia.”

While stating that the sentence was “a reminder of the risks that apply in doing business or engaging with China,” the shadow minister said the Opposition would seek further briefings from the government on the issue.

“We cannot allow Dr. Yang’s case to slide from view,” Mr. Birmingham said.

The sudden sentence comes after the CCP made its most direct threat to Australia, warning of consequences if the country supported Lai Ching-te (William Lai), the newly elected president.

The CCP had previously labelled Mr. Lai a “separatist” and a “troublemaker” for his strong stance against the communist regime prior to the Jan. 13 election.

Following Mr. Lai’s victory, Xiao Qian, the Chinese Ambassador to Australia, warned in mid-January that the “Australian people would be pushed over the edge of an abyss” if the country built up ties with the new Taiwanese government.

Rex Widerstrom contributed to this article.