Australian Writer Yang Hengjun Sentenced to Suspended Death in China

The sentence on espionage charges has sparked outrage in Australia and could strain recently improved bilateral relations.

A Beijing court sentenced Australian writer Yang Hengjun to a suspended death sentence on espionage charges, effectively sentencing him to life in prison.
Australia responded with shock and outrage, denouncing the sentence as a threat to improved relations with China.
Yang, a pro-democracy activist and critic of the Chinese government, has been detained since 2019 following his arrest at Guangzhou airport.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced a formal diplomatic protest to China, but stopped short of suggesting concrete retaliatory measures.
Analysts warn the sentence could severely impact the recently warming relations between Australia and China.