Australia's foreign minister hit out at the "arbitrary detention" of academic and writer Yang Jun Friday after a verdict in his closed espionage trial was deferred by a Beijing court.

Australia's ambassador to China was denied entry to a heavily guarded Beijing court on Thursday that is hearing an espionage case against Yang, at a time of worsening ties between the two nations.

China said the case involved state secrets and so could not be heard in open court. Yang, an&nbsp;Australian citizen born in China, wrote about Chinese and US&nbsp;politics online as a high-profile blogger and also penned a series of spy novels before his detention two years ago.

"China firmly rejects&nbsp;Australia's groundless moves to disrupt China's handling of the case in accordance with the law and to meddle in our judicial sovereignty," Zhao said at the news conference.

Details of the Yang case have been shrouded in secrecy, with no information released on which espionage agency he is alleged to have acted for. If convicted Yang faces a jail term of 10 years or more on charges of endangering national security.

Another Australian, TV anchor Cheng Lei has been held since August accused of "supplying state secrets overseas".

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have plummeted since Canberra called for an independent probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and banned telecoms giant Huawei from building Australia's 5G network.

China has already imposed tariffs or disrupted more than a dozen key industries, including wine, barley and coal, decimating exports.

In September, two Australian journalists were rushed out of China after police sought to question them.&nbsp;

Beijing has accused Canberra of raiding the homes of Chinese state media journalists as Australia investigates an alleged campaign of covert influence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australia's foreign minister hit out at the "arbitrary detention" of academic and writer Yang Jun Friday after a verdict in his closed espionage trial was deferred by a Beijing court.

Australia's foreign minister hit out at the "arbitrary detention" of academic and writer Yang Jun Friday after a verdict in his closed espionage trial was deferred by a Beijing court. Australia's ambassador to China was denied entry to a heavily guarded Beijing court on Thursday that is hearing an espionage case against Yang, at a time of worsening ties between the two nations. China said the case involved state secrets and so could not be heard in open court. Yang, an Australian citizen born in China, wrote about Chinese and US politics online as a high-profile blogger and also penned a series of spy novels before his detention two years ago. "China firmly rejects Australia's groundless moves to disrupt China's handling of the case in accordance with the law and to meddle in our judicial sovereignty," Zhao said at the news conference. Details of the Yang case have been shrouded in secrecy, with no information released on which espionage agency he is alleged to have acted for. If convicted Yang faces a jail term of 10 years or more on charges of endangering national security. Another Australian, TV anchor Cheng Lei has been held since August accused of "supplying state secrets overseas". Diplomatic relations between the two countries have plummeted since Canberra called for an independent probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and banned telecoms giant Huawei from building Australia's 5G network. China has already imposed tariffs or disrupted more than a dozen key industries, including wine, barley and coal, decimating exports. In September, two Australian journalists were rushed out of China after police sought to question them. Beijing has accused Canberra of raiding the homes of Chinese state media journalists as Australia investigates an alleged campaign of covert influence. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia lambasts 'arbitrary detention' of academic in China

Firmly rejecting any attempt by Australia to intervene in the case of writer and academic Yang Jun, China defended holding the spy trial of him behind closed doors, saying it involved "state secrets".

"Australian citizen Yang Jun's case involves state secrets, and is not held in open court by the law, with no arrangements for observers to sit in," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. "This is entirely lawful and reasonable."

Australia's ambassador to China was barred from the trial, in a case that has exacerbated a bitter row between the two nations.

Yang has been held since arriving in China in January 2019 and has had no access to his family. He has had only limited contact with his legal representation, according to Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

The case comes amid a deepening crisis in relations between Australia and China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said&nbsp;that by Chinese law, all cases involving state secrets, including Yang's, are heard in private sessions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Firmly rejecting any attempt by Australia to intervene in the case of writer and academic Yang Jun, China defended holding the spy trial of him behind closed doors, saying it involved "state secrets".

Firmly rejecting any attempt by Australia to intervene in the case of writer and academic Yang Jun, China defended holding the spy trial of him behind closed doors, saying it involved "state secrets". "Australian citizen Yang Jun's case involves state secrets, and is not held in open court by the law, with no arrangements for observers to sit in," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. "This is entirely lawful and reasonable." Australia's ambassador to China was barred from the trial, in a case that has exacerbated a bitter row between the two nations. Yang has been held since arriving in China in January 2019 and has had no access to his family. He has had only limited contact with his legal representation, according to Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. The case comes amid a deepening crisis in relations between Australia and China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that by Chinese law, all cases involving state secrets, including Yang's, are heard in private sessions. (With inputs from agencies)

Closed-door spy trial of Australian writer 'lawful and reasonable': China

Chinese-born Australian academic and author Yang Jun will go on trial in China on espionage charges next week, after spending more than two years in detention, Canberra's foreign minister has confirmed.

Yang is one of two high-profile Australians detained in China on spying allegations amid escalating tensions between Canberra and Beijing.

The trial for Yang, who also goes by his pen name Yang Hengjun, will begin on Thursday, Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement late Friday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-eus-confrontational-approach-after-it-freezes-investments-386498" hreflang="en">China slams EU's 'confrontational approach' after it freezes investments</a>

"Despite repeated requests by Australian officials, Chinese authorities have not provided any explanation or evidence for the charges facing Dr Yang," Payne said.

"We have conveyed to Chinese authorities, in clear terms, the concerns we have about Dr Yang's treatment and the lack of procedural fairness in how his case has been managed."

Payne also called for Australian officials to be granted access to the trial, criticising a process that she said had so far been "closed and opaque".

Yang, who denies the charges, was arrested on a rare return to China from his home in the United States in January 2019.&nbsp;

Another Australian, TV anchor Cheng Lei has been held since August accused of "supplying state secrets overseas".&nbsp;

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have plummeted since Canberra called for an independent probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and banned telecoms giant Huawei from building Australia's 5G network.

China has already imposed tariffs or disrupted more than a dozen key industries, including wine, barley and coal, decimating exports.

In September, two Australian journalists were rushed out of China after police sought to question them. Beijing has accused Canberra of raiding its journalists' homes as it investigates an alleged campaign of covert influence.

Chinese-born Australian academic and author Yang Jun will go on trial in China on espionage charges next week, after spending more than two years in detention, Canberra's foreign minister has confirmed.

Chinese-born Australian academic and author Yang Jun will go on trial in China on espionage charges next week, after spending more than two years in detention, Canberra's foreign minister has confirmed. Yang is one of two high-profile Australians detained in China on spying allegations amid escalating tensions between Canberra and Beijing. The trial for Yang, who also goes by his pen name Yang Hengjun, will begin on Thursday, Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement late Friday. Also read | China slams EU's 'confrontational approach' after it freezes investments "Despite repeated requests by Australian officials, Chinese authorities have not provided any explanation or evidence for the charges facing Dr Yang," Payne said. "We have conveyed to Chinese authorities, in clear terms, the concerns we have about Dr Yang's treatment and the lack of procedural fairness in how his case has been managed." Payne also called for Australian officials to be granted access to the trial, criticising a process that she said had so far been "closed and opaque". Yang, who denies the charges, was arrested on a rare return to China from his home in the United States in January 2019. Another Australian, TV anchor Cheng Lei has been held since August accused of "supplying state secrets overseas". Diplomatic relations between the two countries have plummeted since Canberra called for an independent probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and banned telecoms giant Huawei from building Australia's 5G network. China has already imposed tariffs or disrupted more than a dozen key industries, including wine, barley and coal, decimating exports. In September, two Australian journalists were rushed out of China after police sought to question them. Beijing has accused Canberra of raiding its journalists' homes as it investigates an alleged campaign of covert influence.

Australian academic to face spying trial in China

China and Australia have been seeing a decline in the diplomatic ties for the past few months now, which has led to a heated environment for the Australian citizens living in China, especially the journalists. To protect the citizens, the Australian government urged all the Australian journalists to return back to the country immediately.

Following the suggest, the last two Australian journalists based in China have also left the country, the Australian government reported on late Monday night.

The decision of the journalists coming back to Australia was taken after the the Chinese government had started detaining the journalists. The two who returned back were also asked to appear for interviews by the Chinese officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-detains-australian-journalist-allows-consular-access-324409">Also read:&nbsp;China detains Australian journalist, allows consular access</a>

ABC's Bill Birtles and The Australian Financial Review's Michael Smith landed in Sydney after flying from Shanghai on Monday night, ABC reported late on Monday night.

Birtles and Smith had been sheltering in Australian diplomatic compounds for the last few days after Birtles was paid a visit by the Chinese officials asking him to appear for questioning and banning him from leaving the country.

The travel ban was lifted only after the Australian officials in China reached out to their Chinese counterparts. Birtles agreed to speak to the Chinese police in exchange for permission to fly back to his home country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-writer-yang-jun-detained-in-china-denies-spying-charges-325463">Also read:&nbsp;Australian writer, Yang Jun, detained in China denies spying charges</a>

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed that the Australian government provided support to the two journalists for returning back to the country.&nbsp;"Our embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Shanghai engaged with Chinese Government authorities to ensure their wellbeing and return to Australia," she said in a statement.

Australia's travel warning of the risk of arbitrary detention in China "remains appropriate and unchanged", she added.

China, however, claimed that the questioning of the journalists was&nbsp;a normal enforcement of the law, adding that the Chinese officials strictly adhered to the law during their investigations.&nbsp;Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian also said that China hopes the Australian side can work with China to enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation.

The decision to call back both the journalists came after Chinese-born Australian journalist&nbsp;Cheng Lei was detained by the Chinese officials last week.

China and Australia have been seeing a decline in the diplomatic ties for the past few months now, which has led to a heated environment for the Australian citizens living in China, especially the journalists.

China and Australia have been seeing a decline in the diplomatic ties for the past few months now, which has led to a heated environment for the Australian citizens living in China, especially the journalists. To protect the citizens, the Australian government urged all the Australian journalists to return back to the country immediately. Following the suggest, the last two Australian journalists based in China have also left the country, the Australian government reported on late Monday night. The decision of the journalists coming back to Australia was taken after the the Chinese government had started detaining the journalists. The two who returned back were also asked to appear for interviews by the Chinese officials. Also read: China detains Australian journalist, allows consular access ABC's Bill Birtles and The Australian Financial Review's Michael Smith landed in Sydney after flying from Shanghai on Monday night, ABC reported late on Monday night. Birtles and Smith had been sheltering in Australian diplomatic compounds for the last few days after Birtles was paid a visit by the Chinese officials asking him to appear for questioning and banning him from leaving the country. The travel ban was lifted only after the Australian officials in China reached out to their Chinese counterparts. Birtles agreed to speak to the Chinese police in exchange for permission to fly back to his home country. Also read: Australian writer, Yang Jun, detained in China denies spying charges Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed that the Australian government provided support to the two journalists for returning back to the country. "Our embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Shanghai engaged with Chinese Government authorities to ensure their wellbeing and return to Australia," she said in a statement. Australia's travel warning of the risk of arbitrary detention in China "remains appropriate and unchanged", she added. China, however, claimed that the questioning of the journalists was a normal enforcement of the law, adding that the Chinese officials strictly adhered to the law during their investigations. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian also said that China hopes the Australian side can work with China to enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation. The decision to call back both the journalists came after Chinese-born Australian journalist Cheng Lei was detained by the Chinese officials last week.

Last two Australian journalists in China leave country

An Australian writer who has been detained by Chinese officials for the past 19 months on spying charges has denied all accusations.

The writer&nbsp;Yang Jun,&nbsp;who also goes by the pen name Yang Hengjun, was born in China, and was detained by Chinese officials in January 2019 during a rare visit to China.

Jun's lawyer was allowed to meet his client for an hour and he has confirmed that Jun has denied all charge.&nbsp;"He denies the prosecution's allegations of espionage," lawyer Shang Baojun said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-detains-australian-journalist-allows-consular-access-324409">Also read:&nbsp;China detains Australian journalist, allows consular access</a>

The detention, some believe, is a direct cause of the growing tension between Australia and China that started due to coronavirus blame-game but&nbsp;has also resulted in several trade policies being affected.

Chinese Foreign Ministry has said it will&nbsp;"act strictly in accordance with the law, fully protecting the legal rights of relevant personnel."

In a message Jun said that he was "innocent and will fight to the end", adding he would "never confess" to something he had not done, local reports quoted him saying.

Jun is one of many who have been detained by Chinese officials due to the worsening diplomatic relations between the two countries.

An Australian writer who has been detained by Chinese officials for the past 19 months on spying charges has denied all accusations. The writer Yang Jun, who also goes by the pen name Yang Hengjun, was born in China, and was detained by Chinese officials in January 2019 during a rare visit to China.

An Australian writer who has been detained by Chinese officials for the past 19 months on spying charges has denied all accusations. The writer Yang Jun, who also goes by the pen name Yang Hengjun, was born in China, and was detained by Chinese officials in January 2019 during a rare visit to China. Jun's lawyer was allowed to meet his client for an hour and he has confirmed that Jun has denied all charge. "He denies the prosecution's allegations of espionage," lawyer Shang Baojun said. Also read: China detains Australian journalist, allows consular access The detention, some believe, is a direct cause of the growing tension between Australia and China that started due to coronavirus blame-game but has also resulted in several trade policies being affected. Chinese Foreign Ministry has said it will "act strictly in accordance with the law, fully protecting the legal rights of relevant personnel." In a message Jun said that he was "innocent and will fight to the end", adding he would "never confess" to something he had not done, local reports quoted him saying. Jun is one of many who have been detained by Chinese officials due to the worsening diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Australian writer, Yang Jun, detained in China denies spying charges

Beijing said on Tuesday that Canberra should not "intervene" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-yang-hengjun-arrested-in-china-over-spying-charges-245874">China's judicial processes</a> after confirming Australian national Yang Jun had been arrested for alleged espionage.

"I would like to emphasize that China is a country ruled by law and the Australian side should earnestly respect China's judicial sovereignty and must not intervene in any cases handled in China," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

China's statement comes after an Australian pro-democracy academic held for seven months in China was formally arrested for spying.

Australian Foreign minister Marise Payne had said Tuesday she demanded Beijing uphold "basic standards" of justice.

Payne said she was "very concerned" that Chinese-born Yang Hengjun &nbsp;- a former official turned author - had been arrested on "suspicion of espionage".

Payne said she was "very concerned" that Chinese-born Yang Hengjun - a former official turned author - had been arrested on "suspicion of espionage".

Yang had been detained after returning to China from the United States in January.

Now in his 50s, he had used popular blog and social media posts to criticise Beijing's authoritarian government. He has a following of more than 125,000 on Twitter alone.

After months without access to his lawyer or family, Yang now faces trial on charges that could bring a lengthy prison sentence.

China's near-silence about Yang's fate has been a point of friction in relations with Australia that have markedly deteriorated in recent months.

In a sharply worded statement, Payne said she had raised the case five times with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, in person and via letters.

"Dr Yang has been held in Beijing in harsh conditions without charge for more than seven months," Payne said, referencing international rules prohibiting torture.

"Since that time, China has not explained the reasons for Dr Yang's detention, nor has it allowed him access to his lawyers or family visits."

Beijing said on Tuesday that Canberra should not "intervene" in China's judicial processes after confirming Australian national Yang Jun had been arrested for alleged espionage.

Beijing said on Tuesday that Canberra should not "intervene" in China's judicial processes after confirming Australian national Yang Jun had been arrested for alleged espionage. "I would like to emphasize that China is a country ruled by law and the Australian side should earnestly respect China's judicial sovereignty and must not intervene in any cases handled in China," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang. China's statement comes after an Australian pro-democracy academic held for seven months in China was formally arrested for spying. Australian Foreign minister Marise Payne had said Tuesday she demanded Beijing uphold "basic standards" of justice. Payne said she was "very concerned" that Chinese-born Yang Hengjun - a former official turned author - had been arrested on "suspicion of espionage". Payne said she was "very concerned" that Chinese-born Yang Hengjun - a former official turned author - had been arrested on "suspicion of espionage". Yang had been detained after returning to China from the United States in January. Now in his 50s, he had used popular blog and social media posts to criticise Beijing's authoritarian government. He has a following of more than 125,000 on Twitter alone. After months without access to his lawyer or family, Yang now faces trial on charges that could bring a lengthy prison sentence. China's near-silence about Yang's fate has been a point of friction in relations with Australia that have markedly deteriorated in recent months. In a sharply worded statement, Payne said she had raised the case five times with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, in person and via letters. "Dr Yang has been held in Beijing in harsh conditions without charge for more than seven months," Payne said, referencing international rules prohibiting torture. "Since that time, China has not explained the reasons for Dr Yang's detention, nor has it allowed him access to his lawyers or family visits."

Australia shouldn't intervene: China on detained citizen case

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