Australian writer will be tried by China on espionage charges

Australia said its citizen Yang Hengjun will be tried by a Chinese court on espionage charges on the coming Thursday amid deteriorating tensions between the two countries.

Yang has been held since arriving in China in January 2019 and has had no access to family since then.

Australian foreign minister said in a statement, “despite repeated requests by Australian officials, Chinese authorities have not provided any explanation or evidence for the charges Yang is facing.”

Meanwhile, amid deteriorating tensions between the two countries, Beijing has blocked Australian exports including beef, wine, coal, lobsters, wood and barley from entering the country.