Australian PM to Discuss Jailed Blogger's Health and Release on China Visit

Sons of Yang Hengjun, detained since 2019, urge action for "miracle" release amid father's rapidly declining health; PM Albanese's visit first by Australian leader to China since 2016 amid hopes of diplomatic de-escalation.

• Dr. Yang Hengjun, an Australian writer and blogger, has been detained in China for nearly five years on espionage allegations, which he and the Australian government deny. His health has reportedly deteriorated significantly in recent weeks.
• Yang's sons have publicly urged Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, to do everything in his power to secure their father's release, warning that he might be dying. They also detailed the harsh conditions of their father's detention, including being deprived of books and necessities.
• The sons' plea was issued ahead of PM Albanese's landmark trip to Beijing on November 4, the first by an Australian leader since 2016. The visit is aimed at improving evaporating bilateral ties and presents a key opportunity to lobby for Yang's release.
• PM Albanese has confirmed that he will raise Yang's case during his visit to China. His trip will include meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The PM's visit is seen as a potential step towards the normalization of relations between Australia and China, following several years of diplomatic strain.
• The recent release of Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist who was detained in China on similar charges to Yang, has inspired hope for Yang's release. Cheng's freedom was secured after sustained lobbying by the Australian government.

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