tag:theconversation.com,2011:/ca/topics/yang-hengjun-65456/articlesYang Hengjun – The Conversation2024-03-20T04:33:54Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2262212024-03-20T04:33:54Z2024-03-20T04:33:54ZChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declines to front media after talks with Penny Wong<p>Foreign Minister Penny Wong delivered a forthright message to her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, at the Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue in Canberra on Wednesday. </p>
<p>“I told the foreign minister Australians were shocked at the sentence imposed on Dr Yang Hengjun,” she said at a news conference following their meeting. “And I made it clear to him the Australian government will continue to advocate on Dr Yang’s behalf.” </p>
<p>Yang, an Australian citizen, was given a <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-yang-hengjun-have-any-legal-hopes-left-after-receiving-a-suspended-death-sentence-in-china-222750">death penalty sentence</a> on espionage charges earlier this year, although it is set to be commuted after two years of good behaviour.</p>
<p>The media did not hear Wang’s version of the conversation because the Chinese foreign minister had previously indicated he would not front the news conference. Normally with senior visiting figures, there is a joint press conference after the talks. </p>
<p>Unusually, given Wang’s absence, media arrangements were the same as if he had been there. Australian and Chinese journalists were allocated three questions a side. Wang did not hold a separate news conference.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/does-yang-hengjun-have-any-legal-hopes-left-after-receiving-a-suspended-death-sentence-in-china-222750">Does Yang Hengjun have any legal hopes left after receiving a suspended death sentence in China?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The visit of Wang, who met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday afternoon, comes as Australia is hoping for an early end to the remaining trade sanctions China imposed when it put the former Coalition government in the freezer. </p>
<p>China’s final decision on lifting its tariffs on wine is due by March 31. In an interim determination last week, the Chinese said the tariffs were no longer necessary. </p>
<p>Australia is still waiting for progress on the restrictions on lobsters and some beef abattoirs.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Australia has dropped anti-dumping action against Chinese wind towers, an action the Chinese saw as a good gesture. </p>
<p>Wong in the meeting welcomed the progress on removing trade impediments and “reiterated our desire for the removal of remaining impediments on beef and lobster.” The two foreign ministers also discussed the volatility of the nickel market.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1770260641770864729"}"></div></p>
<p>“I made the point that predictability in business and trade is in all our economic interests,” Wong said.</p>
<p>Wong did not shy away from a range of sensitive subjects, raising Australian concerns about human rights in Tibet and Hong Kong and expressing “our serious concern about unsafe conduct at sea, our desire for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in our region”.</p>
<p>Wong said the dialogue enabled the two countries to manage their differences. </p>
<p>“It doesn’t eliminate them, but this government in the interests of Australia will always seek to manage those differences wisely. </p>
<p>"As I said at the outset of my meeting, China will always be China, Australia will always be Australia.” </p>
<p>On Thursday, Wang will meet former Prime Minister Paul Keating, who has previously been critical of Wong and the Albanese government regarding the threat China poses and the government’s support for AUKUS. Ahead of this meeting, Keating said in a written statement earlier this week: “I have supported Foreign Minister Penny Wong in her attempts to lower the loud hailer and ‘stabilise’ relations with China”.</p>
<p>Wong said her meeting with Wang was the latest in the process of achieving a “stable relationship” between the two countries.</p>
<p>The foreign and strategic dialogue only recommenced under the Labor government, after the hiatus in the bilateral relationship in the latter days of the Coalition government. </p>
<p>Wong said arrangements were “on track” for a visit later this year by Chinese Premier Li Qiang.</p>
<p>Responding to a question, Wong also pushed back against former US President Donald Trump’s attack on Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1770292777428906144"}"></div></p>
<p>Trump lashed out at Rudd – who some years ago was highly critical of Trump – in an interview with right-wing political figure and broadcaster Nigel Farage. </p>
<p>Farage told Trump that Rudd had said horrible things about him. </p>
<p>Trump replied: “I heard he was a little bit nasty. I hear he’s not the brightest bulb. But I don’t know much about him. But if, if he’s at all hostile, he will not be there long.”</p>
<p>Asked if Rudd would be kept in Washington if Trump became president again, Wong said: “The answer is yes”.</p>
<p>She said Rudd was a “very effective ambassador […] doing an excellent job advancing Australia’s interests in the United States”. </p>
<p>“Even Mr Dutton has expressed confidence in Mr Rudd,” she said. Rudd would be able to work closely with whoever won the presidential election, she added.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/226221/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Wong says she delivered a strong message to her counterpart on the sentencing of Australian writer Yang Hengjun on espionage charges.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2227502024-02-05T09:20:23Z2024-02-05T09:20:23ZDoes Yang Hengjun have any legal hopes left after receiving a suspended death sentence in China?<p>The Chinese-Australian academic and writer, Yang Hengjun, has been detained in China for five years on suspicion of spying for Australia. </p>
<p>A secret trial was held in 2021 with no family, friends or Australian consular officials permitted in the courtroom. The verdict was then delayed at least seven times, <a href="https://www.amnesty.org.au/grave-concerns-held-for-yang-hengjun-after-extended-trial-verdict-delays/">according to Amnesty International</a>.</p>
<p>Today, his fate has finally been made clear: Yang <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-05/australian-yang-hengjun-sentenced-to-death/103428060">received</a> a suspended death sentence which can be commuted to life in prison after two years of good behaviour.</p>
<p>Espionage is a capital crime in China, so it is unsurprising he faces the death penalty, though the precise nature of the charges against him have never been made clear. He has always denied the espionage charges against him, as has the Australian government.</p>
<p>Australia will undoubtedly continue to put diplomatic pressure on China to release Yang, but does he have any rights remaining under international law? And how often does China actually use the death penalty?</p>
<h2>Yang’s background</h2>
<p>Yang was born in China and previously worked in the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of State Security.</p>
<p>He later moved to Australia, where he became a citizen in 2002, and then to the US where had been a visiting scholar at Columbia University from 2017. In recent years, he had been a spy novelist and political commentator.</p>
<p>Yang had been detained in China previously in 2011, but was quickly released ahead of a visit to China by then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard.</p>
<p>Foreign Minister Penny Wong said today Australia would continue to advocate on Yang’s behalf at the highest levels, calling the news of his sentence “harrowing”.</p>
<p>Yang’s health has also been failing in recent months. He <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/28/yang-hengjun-detained-australian-writer-fears-he-may-die-kidney-condition-china-jail">told</a> supporters he thought he might die in prison from a cyst on his kidney that wasn’t being treated properly.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-democracy-peddler-yang-hengjun-has-been-detained-in-china-and-why-he-must-be-released-120751">Why 'Democracy peddler' Yang Hengjun has been detained in China and why he must be released</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>How frequently is the death penalty used in China?</h2>
<p>China has a notorious record of imposing the death penalty for a number of different offences. Just how many people are executed, though, is anybody’s guess. </p>
<p>Amnesty International has been actively <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/death-penalty/">monitoring capital punishment cases</a> globally for a number of years. While there has been a downward trend in the number of countries that retain the death penalty and actually carry out executions, reliable data on China is impossible to attain. </p>
<p>As such, Amnesty no longer includes any Chinese figures in its annual <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/05/death-penalty-2022-executions-skyrocket/#tab-global-facts">Global Death Penalty</a> reports. Various estimates put the number of executions in the country to be in the “thousands” per year. </p>
<p>Last year, the European Union delegation to China <a href="https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/china/statement-eu-delegation-china-international-human-rights-day-2023_en?s=166#:%7E:text=The%20estimated%20number%20of%20death,case%20of%20non%2Dviolent%20offences">reported</a>: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>The estimated number of death sentences and executions in China exceeds by far that of all other countries taken together. In contradiction to international standards, China also applies capital punishment in the case of non-violent offences.</p>
</blockquote>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/chinas-new-anti-espionage-law-is-sending-a-chill-through-foreign-corporations-and-citizens-alike-212010">China's new anti-espionage law is sending a chill through foreign corporations and citizens alike</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Does Yang have any rights left under international law?</h2>
<p>Yang can still appeal his sentence through the Chinese legal system, which effectively provides him with certain levels of protection until his appeals have been exhausted. However, criminal appeals in China are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/23/china-to-rule-appeals-ding-jiaxi-xu-zhiyong-detained-human-rights-lawyers#:%7E:text=Their%20appeals%20are%20all%20but,rate%20of%20more%20than%2099%25.">rarely successful</a>. </p>
<p>Yang’s ill-health would also not provide any additional legal grounds for his release. Diplomatically, though, this would be a basis for Australia to continue to advocate for his release on humanitarian grounds.</p>
<p>However, unlike the high-profile case of two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who were also accused of espionage and detained by China from 2018–21, Australia has no <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/24/asia/canada-china-kovrig-spavor-release-intl-hnk/index.html%5D">bargaining chip</a> to secure Yang’s release.</p>
<p>Kovrig and Spavor had been arrested shortly after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, a Chinese national, was detained in Canada on a US arrest warrant. The two men were <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58687071">released</a> hours after Meng was also released from Canadian custody.</p>
<h2>Is there anything Australia can do for Yang now?</h2>
<p>Unusually, Yang’s death sentence has been suspended for two years pending good behaviour, after which his sentence may be converted to a life sentence. This is significant as convictions for a capital offence in China are typically followed quickly by an execution. </p>
<p>Yang’s Australian citizenship will have no doubt have been taken into account in this instance. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-has-china-released-detained-australian-journalist-cheng-lei-215461">Why has China released detained Australian journalist Cheng Lei?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Legally, however, Australia’s options at this point are very limited. Any formal efforts by Australia to provide Yang with diplomatic protection under international law are constrained while his legal case is still playing out. </p>
<p>Once this has occurred, Australia has no further legal procedures it can use to help Yang, unless China is agreeable to referring the dispute over the imposition of the death penalty to an international court or tribunal. </p>
<p>As China is traditionally reluctant to refer any matters that relate to its sovereignty, including its judicial sovereignty, to any international courts or tribunals, this does not feel like a realistic option.</p>
<h2>Has China treated Yang with procedural fairness?</h2>
<p>Australia has been consistent in calling for Yang to receive the “basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment under international law”, through both the Morrison and Albanese governments. </p>
<p>These rights are deeply entrenched in modern human rights law, including under the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights">Universal Declaration of Human Rights</a> and the <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-covenant-civil-and-political-rights">International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights</a>. </p>
<p>These rights include the right to a fair trial, open and transparent proceedings, the ability to access legal representation, and the capacity to mount a legal defence. Anyone accused of a crime is also entitled to humane treatment while they await trial, a verdict and sentencing. </p>
<p>Australia had very few options to ensure Yang was being afforded these rights in China. Australian diplomats could only rely on the <a href="https://www.info.dfat.gov.au/Info/Treaties/treaties.nsf/AllDocIDs/1C1935E09A6E7033CA256B1E0015DF19">Agreement on Consular Relations</a>, which guarantees consular access rights for anyone detained in either country. </p>
<p>China has respected some of the minimum entitlements under this agreement, which has enabled consular staff to meet with Yang and monitor his wellbeing, though China restricted access during the peak periods of the COVID-19 lockdown. </p>
<p>However, Yang was not provided with any other rights he is entitled to under international law. At the time of his trial in 2021, the Law Council of Australia <a href="https://lawcouncil.au/media/media-releases/concerns-as-dr-yang-hengjun-faces-trial">said</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The seriousness of the charges against Dr Yang render the protracted deprivation of legal assistance even more egregious, falling well short of international fair trial standards.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And as Amnesty International <a href="https://action.amnesty.org.au/act-now/demand-chinese-authorities-release-yang-hengjun">notes</a>, China has not put forth any evidence to support its assertion that Yang was, indeed, a spy.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/222750/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Donald Rothwell receives funding from Australian Research Council</span></em></p>Yang’s suspended death sentence is unusual for a capital case, but appeals in China are rarely successful and Australia has very limited options to help him, short of diplomatic pressure.Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1615812021-05-27T20:02:49Z2021-05-27T20:02:49ZAs Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun’s trial begins, his prospects remain bleak<p>In Beijing, the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-26/yang-hengjun-prison-china-trial-letter-torture/100167460">secret trial on spying charges</a> of Australian citizen Yang Hengjun will constitute another sour chapter in Australia-China relations, which remain locked in a downward spiral.</p>
<p>Yang’s trial is set to begin this week with no family, friends or Australian consular officials present. He will be represented by his lawyer.</p>
<p>Penalties under Chinese law for espionage range from three years to death. Acquittal rates in the Chinese court system are minuscule.</p>
<p>This will be the baleful reality for Yang when he is brought handcuffed into a Beijing intermediate court. The sentencing may take months, in which time the Australian citizen will remain in custody, and likely subject to further mistreatment.</p>
<p>He has been <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/21/world/asia/china-australia-yang-hengjun.html">held in solitary confinement for much of the time since his arrest in 2018</a>, deprived of consular access and direct contact with his family. By any reasonable definition, his treatment amounts to torture.</p>
<p>In an <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/i-have-no-fear-now-yang-hengjun-s-final-message-to-sons-before-trial-20210526-p57vb0.html">eloquent note</a> to his family, friends and supporters, Yang, a former diplomat turned writer and blogger, has denied all charges against him.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I have no fear now. I will never compromise […] I love you all and I know that I am loved.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In this latest jarring moment in Australia-China relations, Yang is a victim of a poisonous relationship that has developed between Beijing and Canberra since the Malcolm Turnbull era.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/yang-hengjun-case-a-pivotal-moment-in-increasingly-tense-australia-china-relationship-122460">Yang Hengjun case a pivotal moment in increasingly tense Australia-China relationship</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The Chinese-born Australian citizen is paying a price for Australia’s stumbling attempts to manage its relations with its largest trading partner and, until recently, fastest-growing source of foreign investment.</p>
<p>Chinese investment has <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/95ad03ce-f012-49e9-a0c2-6e9e95353dd1">fallen off a cliff</a> as a consequence of the deteriorating relationship. Shipments of coal, wine, barley, rock lobster and other commodities have slowed to a trickle as China imposes a range a tariff and non-tariff barriers on Australian imports.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-27/iron-ore-price-at-record-high-but-australia-china-tensions-loom/100166932">Record exports of iron ore</a> have meant aggregate trade figures are holding up, but the situation is precarious because these numbers depend on a single commodity.</p>
<p>China accounts for <a href="https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/chin-cef.pdf">one-third of Australia’s merchandise trade</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-scrap-victorias-meaningless-belt-and-road-deal-because-it-sends-a-powerful-message-to-beijing-159536">Why scrap Victoria’s ‘meaningless’ Belt and Road deal? Because it sends a powerful message to Beijing</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Under Turnbull, Australia enacted <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-05/turnbull-announces-foreign-interference-laws/9227514">foreign interference laws</a> that were aimed at China’s attempts to interfere in Australian domestic politics. These measures contributed to the souring of relations.</p>
<p>Turnbull’s successor, Scott Morrison, has not restored relations to a reasonable footing. In some ways they have <a href="https://theconversation.com/timeline-of-a-broken-relationship-how-china-and-australia-went-from-chilly-to-barely-speaking-151567">got worse</a>.</p>
<p>Not least of the Morrison government’s misjudgements was a closer than prudent alignment with the Trump administration in its up-and-down management of relations with China.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/403031/original/file-20210527-21-b387st.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/403031/original/file-20210527-21-b387st.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/403031/original/file-20210527-21-b387st.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/403031/original/file-20210527-21-b387st.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/403031/original/file-20210527-21-b387st.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/403031/original/file-20210527-21-b387st.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/403031/original/file-20210527-21-b387st.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Under Malcolm Turnbull, Australia-China relations soured. Under Scott Morrison, they got even worse.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP/Lukas Coch</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Inevitably, Canberra got caught in the backwash of Chinese displeasure with the United States. In reprisals on the trade front, Australia has been made a scapegoat regionally, and further afield – an example of what might happen if a country incurs Beijing’s wrath.</p>
<p>Other countries have criticised China on a <a href="https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-chapters/global">range of issues</a> without experiencing a similar backlash. These include China’s mistreatment of its Uighur minority; its <a href="https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/hong-kong-freedoms-democracy-protests-china-crackdown">disregard for agreements with the United Kingdom</a> over Hong Kong’s relative independence under a “one country, two systems” formula in place until 2047; its resort to <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Hostage-diplomacy-highlights-Beijing-s-increasingly-darker-side">hostage diplomacy</a> to further its diplomatic ends; and its smash and grab approach to asserting itself in the <a href="https://www.lowyinstitute.org/issues/south-china-sea">disputed waters of the South China Sea.</a></p>
<p>It is telling that no Australian prime minister has visited China since <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2016/04/malcolm-turnbulls-visit-to-china/">Turnbull in 2016</a>. Australia’s trade minister <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-29/dan-tehan-snubbed-china-beijing-communication-freeze/13102866">can’t get his Chinese counterpart on the phone</a>.</p>
<p>Symbolically, China announced this month it was <a href="https://theconversation.com/china-retaliates-suspending-its-strategic-economic-dialogue-with-australia-is-symbolic-but-still-a-big-deal-160452">suspending “indefinitely” the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue</a>. This arrangement dates from the Julia Gillard era.</p>
<p>Morrison and foreign minister Marise Payne have struggled to come to terms with the sort of statecraft that might be expected of custodians of Australia’s most important trading partnership and most crucial regional relationship.</p>
<p>For example, and at no discernible benefit to the country, it was Payne who got out in front of the international community <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-19/payne-calls-for-inquiry-china-handling-of-coronavirus-covid-19/12162968">in calls for an independent inquiry</a> into the COVID-19 virus, which appears to have originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/403033/original/file-20210527-15-1oxza9b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/403033/original/file-20210527-15-1oxza9b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=403&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/403033/original/file-20210527-15-1oxza9b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=403&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/403033/original/file-20210527-15-1oxza9b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=403&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/403033/original/file-20210527-15-1oxza9b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=507&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/403033/original/file-20210527-15-1oxza9b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=507&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/403033/original/file-20210527-15-1oxza9b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=507&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The Australian government provoked Beijing by calling for an independent inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 virus.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP/AP/Leah Millis</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Such an intervention was unnecessary, in any case, because the World Health Organisation was already mounting its own inquiry, supported by much of the international community.</p>
<p>Australia’s clumsy attempts to force-feed an investigation will have looked to Beijing like Canberra was doing Washington’s bidding at a moment when Trump was referring to COVID-19 as the “Wuhan virus”, the “Chinese flu” or, crudely, “<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-53173436">Kung-flu</a>”.</p>
<p>Inexplicably, Morrison referred to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-wants-who-to-have-same-powers-of-weapons-inspectors-20200422-p54m7i.html">“weapons inspectors” in his calls for an inquiry</a>.</p>
<p>None of this will be any comfort to Yang Hengjun, or journalist <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-must-continue-to-press-for-humane-treatment-of-journalist-cheng-lei-after-her-arrest-in-china-154937">Cheng Lei</a>, the other Australian in detention since last August on alleged breaches of national security. This charge could mean anything, from spying, to peddling state secrets, to criticising Communist Party rule.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/yang-hengjuns-legal-prospects-in-china-appear-grim-despite-australias-forceful-defences-122546">Yang Hengjun's legal prospects in China appear grim, despite Australia's forceful defences</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>On social media, the outspoken Cheng had <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-chinas-attempts-to-stifle-foreign-media-criticism-are-likely-to-fail-158785">criticised China’s initial response to the virus outbreak in Wuhan</a>, including attempts to silence doctors who raised the alarm.</p>
<p>Properly, Payne has criticised China’s handling of the Yang case as “<a href="https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/marise-payne/media-release/statement-dr-yang-hengjun-0">lacking procedural fairness</a>”. China’s embassy in Canberra then described her intervention as “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-22/yang-hengjun-china-trial-response-marise-payne-beijing/100158384">deplorable</a>”.</p>
<p>In these latest developments, the cases of Yang and Cheng cannot be separated from those of the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-23/china-trials-spavor-and-kovrig-ominous-for-detained-australians/100022588">Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor</a>, both of whom stood trial in March on spying charges. Sentences are pending.</p>
<p>These two cases are chilling examples of hostage diplomacy, given the Canadians’ arrest came on the heels of authorities in Vancouver detaining <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/13/huawei-bullets-sent-to-meng-wanzhou-while-under-house-arrest-court-hears">Meng Wanzhou</a>, the daughter of the founder of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei.</p>
<p>The US is seeking Meng’s extradition on charges of breaching its sanctions regime against Iran. Her removal to the US is being <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/21/meng-wanzhou-extradition-hearings-huawei-cfo">appealed in the Canadian court system</a>.</p>
<p>In the meantime, there is no prospect of Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Spavor, a businessman, being released as they await sentencing. They are hostages to developments in the Vancouver courts and in Washington.</p>
<p>Kovrig’s employer, the International Crisis Group, has <a href="https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/two-years-china-still-holds-michael-kovrig-arbitrary-detention">campaigned assiduously</a> for his release. In a recent statement it said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>[…] his sole offence was to be a Canadian citizen who was at the wrong place at the wrong time.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Given the circumstances, it is impossible to put any other interpretation on his detention in 2018, along with that of Spavor.</p>
<p>In February, Australia joined an <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-16/australia-joins-canada-end-arrest-foreigners-hostage-diplomacy/13158578">international coalition of 57 countries</a>, led by Canada, in condemning the practice of hostage diplomacy. The US, the UK, Japan and most of the 27-member European Union endorsed a statement saying:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The arbitrary arrest or detention of foreign nationals to compel action or to exercise leverage over foreign Government is contrary to international law, undermines international relations, and has a negative impact on foreign nationals travelling, working and living abroad.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This might be regarded as an understatement.</p>
<p>A Beijing intermediate court in the Yang case will be paying scant attention to international criticism of the Chinese judicial system. China’s jurisprudence, shielded from public scrutiny, is a merciless process.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/161581/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Tony Walker does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The outcome for the Australian citizen cannot be viewed separately from the continued downward spiral of Australia-China relations.Tony Walker, Vice-chancellor's fellow, La Trobe UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1458362020-09-09T11:39:32Z2020-09-09T11:39:32ZWhy the Australia-China relationship is unravelling faster than we could have imagined<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/357167/original/file-20200909-20-1ngffqr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Lukas Coch/AAP</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Australia-China relationship is unravelling at a pace that could not have been contemplated just six months ago. </p>
<p>In recent days, the ABC’s Bill Birtles and the Australian Financial Review’s Mike Smith were <a href="https://theconversation.com/journalists-have-become-diplomatic-pawns-in-chinas-relations-with-the-west-setting-a-worrying-precedent-145749">forced to flee</a> China following intimidation by security agencies and the imposition of an exit ban, later lifted following negotiations led by Australian diplomats. </p>
<p>Chinese media outlets then <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-09/chinese-scholars-have-visas-revoked-as-diplomatic-crisis-grows/12644022">alleged</a> that Australia’s security agencies raided the properties of several Chinese journalists in June in connection with a foreign interference investigation involving NSW MP <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/chinese-media-links-journalist-raids-to-labor-mp-shaoquett-moselmane/news-story/412f77bb439a079a7d0baf86ac63eed3">Shaoquett Moselmane</a>. </p>
<p>With no sign of the political tensions between Australia and China easing, the big danger in all of this is the erosion of the economic and people-to-people ties that were once the glue holding the relationship together. </p>
<p>If this goes, the events of recent days might only be a starting point in a broader bilateral decoupling that offers little prospect for the protection — let alone advancement — of Australia’s national interest. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1303571394949652481"}"></div></p>
<h2>Cause for optimism amid declining ties</h2>
<p>Political tensions between the two countries <a href="https://www.australiachinarelations.org/content/australias-tilt-china">date back</a> to at least 2017. Apart from a brief “reset” when then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull gave an upbeat <a href="https://www.malcolmturnbull.com.au/media/speech-at-the-university-of-new-south-wales-sydney-7-august-2018">speech</a> on China at the University of New South Wales in August 2018, the trajectory of ties at the government level has been downhill since then. </p>
<p>Yet, the economic relationship continued to flourish, with two-way trade <a href="https://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/resources/trade-statistics/Pages/trade-time-series-data">growing</a> from $183.5 billion in 2017 to $251.4 billion in 2019. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-world-has-a-hard-time-trusting-china-but-does-it-really-care-119807">The world has a hard time trusting China. But does it really care?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>And people-to-people ties appeared to offer cause for optimism, too. </p>
<p>The number of Chinese <a href="https://internationaleducation.gov.au/research/International-Student-Data/Pages/default.aspx">students</a> and <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3401.0">tourists</a> arriving in Australia showed few signs of peaking. </p>
<p>Vigorous cooperation was seen in other areas, such as Chinese researchers emerging as Australia’s <a href="https://www.australiachinarelations.org/content/australia-china-science-boom">leading</a> partners in producing scientific and research publications. </p>
<h2>The belief ‘black hands’ are now at work</h2>
<p>In the background, however, there were signs of worrying developments.</p>
<p>Ten years ago, it wasn’t hard for foreign academics to find Chinese colleagues willing to talk openly about politically sensitive issues in a private setting, or even modestly depart from the Chinese government’s line in a public forum, such as an academic conference. </p>
<p>But in June, Frances Adamson, Australia’s former ambassador to China and now head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, <a href="https://www.dfat.gov.au/news/speech/frances-adamson-dfat-secretary-50th-episode-australia-world-podcast">reflected</a> that while China has academics who have spent their lives working on and with Australia, </p>
<blockquote>
<p>when I read now what they say publicly, that nuance that existed before is gone. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>This unwillingness to depart from the official line stems from the heightened censorship and illiberal turn China has taken in recent years. This has been instigated by the Chinese Communist Party — and in particular, President Xi Jinping — as they have become increasingly paranoid their grip on power is under attack. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/357159/original/file-20200909-20-1xolwi1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/357159/original/file-20200909-20-1xolwi1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/357159/original/file-20200909-20-1xolwi1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/357159/original/file-20200909-20-1xolwi1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/357159/original/file-20200909-20-1xolwi1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/357159/original/file-20200909-20-1xolwi1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/357159/original/file-20200909-20-1xolwi1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">China has become increasingly illiberal and bellicose since Xi came to power.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Mark Schiefelbein/AP</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A prominent Chinese government <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-extradition-usa/china-tells-us-to-remove-black-hands-from-hong-kong-idUSKCN1UI0QJ">narrative</a> now alleges “black hands” connected to “foreign forces” are at work trying to undermine the country’s leadership. </p>
<p>This sensitivity has been sharpened by US government rhetoric. In July, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stopped not far short of <a href="https://www.state.gov/communist-china-and-the-free-worlds-future/">declaring</a> a policy of regime change in China, saying </p>
<blockquote>
<p>We must also engage and empower the Chinese people – a dynamic, freedom-loving people who are completely distinct from the Chinese Communist Party.</p>
<p>But changing the CCP’s behaviour cannot be the mission of the Chinese people alone. Free nations have to work to defend freedom.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>While the Australian government has deliberately put distance between itself and the Trump administration, Beijing remains wedded to the idea Australia is a US lackey, despite significant <a href="https://www.australiachinarelations.org/content/australian-policy-prc-it-independent-us%E2%80%99">evidence</a> to the contrary. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/journalists-have-become-diplomatic-pawns-in-chinas-relations-with-the-west-setting-a-worrying-precedent-145749">Journalists have become diplomatic pawns in China's relations with the West, setting a worrying precedent</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>‘Are we actually safe here now?’</h2>
<p>Australians appear to have already been caught up in the consequences. </p>
<p>Academic and blogger Yang Hengjun, a China-born Australian citizen, has been detained since January 2019, <a href="http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/sghdxwfb_1/t1761341.htm">accused</a> of “engaging in criminal activities endangering [China’s] national security”. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/357164/original/file-20200909-20-1qkrwi0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/357164/original/file-20200909-20-1qkrwi0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=464&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/357164/original/file-20200909-20-1qkrwi0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=464&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/357164/original/file-20200909-20-1qkrwi0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=464&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/357164/original/file-20200909-20-1qkrwi0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=583&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/357164/original/file-20200909-20-1qkrwi0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=583&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/357164/original/file-20200909-20-1qkrwi0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=583&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Yang Hengjun has denied Chinese reports he had confessed to espionage.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AP</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>And last month, the Chinese-Australian journalist Cheng Lei was also <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-08/australian-anchor-cheng-lei-china-endanger-national-security/12642596">detained</a> under suspicion of carrying out “criminal activities” endangering China’s national security. </p>
<p>This came just weeks after the Australian government changed its travel risk <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-07/dfat-changes-travel-advice-for-australians-in-china/12431134">advisory</a> to warn Australians might be “arbitrarily detained” in China.</p>
<p>These moves have had a chilling effect on the people-to-people ties that once formed the ballast of China-Australia relations.</p>
<p>PwC’s Asia practice leader, Andrew Parker, <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/australian-journalists-flee-china-as-cheng-lei-is-charged-with-endangering-security/news-story/2b9b2649c70450b5d48c9390d1a3955b">said</a> some in the business community are starting to ask the question, “are we actually safe here now”?</p>
<h2>Concerns for Chinese academics in Australia, too</h2>
<p>But importantly, not all the developments are one-way. </p>
<p>The ABC has <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-09/chinese-scholars-have-visas-revoked-as-diplomatic-crisis-grows/12644022">reported</a> that two leading Chinese academics in the field of Australian studies were also caught up in the investigation into the alleged Chinese plot to infiltrate the NSW parliament, resulting in their visas being revoked.</p>
<p>One of the academics, Chen Hong, the director of the Australian Studies Centre at East China Normal University, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-09/chinese-scholars-have-visas-revoked-as-diplomatic-crisis-grows/12644022">rejected</a> the allegations. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/behind-chinas-newly-aggressive-diplomacy-wolf-warriors-ready-to-fight-back-139028">Behind China's newly aggressive diplomacy: 'wolf warriors' ready to fight back</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>There were signs before the dramatic developments of this week that some Chinese journalists and academics were becoming wary of engaging with foreigners due to rhetoric directed at China, as well as policy actions taken by Australia.</p>
<p>In one of his last stories for the AFR before leaving China, Smith <a href="https://www.afr.com/world/asia/china-think-tanks-sever-academic-ties-as-hostilities-rise-20200826-p55pmz">reported</a> that Chinese academics had told him they were cutting off communications out of </p>
<blockquote>
<p>fear they will be accused of being Communist Party infiltrators. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Some Chinese observers believe national security concerns are not the only factor in what is unfolding in Australia. </p>
<p>Moselmane’s lawyers are <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/nsw-mp-shaoquett-moselmane-wants-investigation-after-police-raided-his-home/news-story/7306a6ad90fe1dfd99af4d59655ee82f">seeking an investigation</a> into whether the media were tipped off before the Australian Federal Police raid on his home in June. </p>
<p>This possibility raises questions about whether the source of the alleged leak saw an opportunity for domestic political gain or to push another barrow, such as adding to Australia-China tensions. </p>
<p>At the same time, academics at Australian universities, many of whom were born in China, have been put under the spotlight in News Corp <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/ccp-weaponising-our-research/news-story/0c3fb0cb8a3578296339aca252c42a8c">outlets</a> for allegedly having links to the Chinese government. The fact that none of these academics have to date been identified by Australian law enforcement agencies as having done anything wrong appears to count for little. </p>
<p>It’s becoming clear the fears of being caught up as “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-08/bill-birtles-mike-smith-evacuated-china-safety-concerns/12638786">pawns in a diplomatic tussle</a>” (as Birtles described it) are real now for journalists, academics and business people — those who used to believe they could continue to work in both countries, without significant concerns about political disputes.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/145836/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>James Laurenceson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>As diplomatic relations worsened in recent years, people-to-people ties remained strong. Now, however, it appears even academics and journalists are becoming ‘pawns’ in a great diplomatic tussle.James Laurenceson, Director and Professor, Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI), University of Technology SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1227202019-08-30T03:56:20Z2019-08-30T03:56:20ZVIDEO: Michelle Grattan on Yang Hengjun’s arrest - and the government’s draft religious discrimination legislation<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gxmCGJkHcoo?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</figure>
<p>University of Canberra Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Geoff Crisp Michelle Grattan discuss China’s formal arrest of Australian-Chinese writer and democracy advocate Dr. Yang Hengjun, as well as NSW ALP’s troubles after it was revealed they accepted money illegally from a Chinese property developer. They also talk about Christian Porter’s release of the government’s draft religious discrimination legislation.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122720/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Michelle Grattan discusses the increasing strain on the Australia-China relationship following the arrest of Dr. Yang Hengjun, and the government’s draft religious discrimination legislation.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1226752019-08-29T12:40:49Z2019-08-29T12:40:49ZGrattan on Friday: Australia isn’t avoiding prodding the Chinese bear<p>It was a revealing line. Yang Hengjun, the Australian citizen arrested on suspicion of espionage, says an investigation officer from the Chinese Ministry of State Security told him that “Australia was dependent on China for its trade and economy, and Canberra wouldn’t help me, let alone rescue me”.</p>
<p>It was, one supposes, part of an attempt to break the prisoner. And of course it was completely untrue – in fact the Australian government is trying very hard and very visibly to secure Yang’s release.</p>
<p>But in a broader sense the official’s reference to the economic importance of China to Australia goes straight to the dilemma and the potential cost involved in what the Australian government is currently doing - and must do – in dealing with China.</p>
<p>The debate about China’s behaviour and influence has moved on even from earlier this month, when Trade Minister Simon Birmingham <a href="https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-its-not-in-the-national-interest-for-the-backbench-to-shut-up-about-china-121732">told backbenchers</a> to keep in mind the “national interest” in what they said. That followed <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/we-must-see-china-the-opportunities-and-the-threats-with-clear-eyes-20190807-p52eon.html">the blunt warning</a> by Andrew Hastie, chair of the parliamentary committee on intelligence and security, that Australia needed to pay more attention to the threat posed by China’s rise.</p>
<p>Australia at the moment seems very explicit in its responses to concerns about China.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/yang-hengjun-case-a-pivotal-moment-in-increasingly-tense-australia-china-relationship-122460">Yang Hengjun case a pivotal moment in increasingly tense Australia-China relationship</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The willingness by the government to act is not new – in fact, the Turnbull government’s foreign interference legislation of 2018 may come to be seen as a turning point. But now Australia appears increasingly prepared to put aside when necessary the imperatives of diplomacy. Nor is it as reluctant as before to admit particular measures relate to China. </p>
<p>It has been especially strong in its language on behalf of Yang. The choice in such a situation can be complicated - between being forthright publicly or deciding a low key approach could be more effective, to say nothing of better for keeping relations smooth. In this instance the government has loudly called out the Chinese authorities’ actions. It is yet to be seen how things will end.</p>
<p>On another front, the government this week <a href="https://theconversation.com/government-boosts-scrutiny-over-chinese-targeting-of-university-sector-122484">announced a major move </a>in its efforts to deal with Chinese influence in Australian universities. A University Foreign Interference Taskforce will have representatives from the university sector, government security agencies and the education department.</p>
<p>The group will target Chinese cyber security penetration, and seek to protect research and intellectual property.</p>
<p>This prompts the question: how serious is the problem of Chinese interference in the university sector?</p>
<p>There is a spectrum of issues, from the open and arguable, through to the clandestine and illegal, such as the cyber attacks on the Australian National University. </p>
<p>With Chinese students 38% (153,000) of foreign students in higher education, Australian universities potentially have a high revenue vulnerability, if China reduced the flow.</p>
<p>Clive Hamilton, professor of public ethics at Charles Sturt University and an expert on Chinese influence in Australia, <a href="https://theconversation.com/academic-urges-universities-to-get-out-from-under-the-shadow-of-beijing-122562">was highly critical</a> in a lecture on Wednesday of the university sector’s vice-chancellors.</p>
<p>“The corporatisation of the tertiary sector and the extraordinary dependence on revenue flows from China, coupled with a sustained and highly effective influence campaign directed at senior university executives, has meant that many have lost sight of the meaning of academic freedom,” Hamilton said.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/morrison-needs-to-take-control-of-china-policy-but-leave-room-for-dissent-121739">Morrison needs to take control of China policy - but leave room for dissent</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Another issue, which has come into plain sight with the recent clashes particularly at the University of Queensland over events in Hong Kong, is the influence Chinese authorities exercise over many students here.</p>
<p>Then there is the murky area of collaborations with researchers and institutions.</p>
<p>A paper put out by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute late last year authored by Alex Joske, one of ASPI’s analysts, highlighted that “China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is expanding its research collaboration with universities outside of China.</p>
<p>"This collaboration is highest in the Five Eyes countries, Germany and Singapore […]. Australia has been engaged in the highest level of PLA collaboration among Five Eyes countries per capita, at six times the level in the US.”</p>
<p>In the education field, it is not just the universities where China’s influence has become a growing worry. This month the NSW government announced it would end the Confucius Classroom program that has been running in 13 schools. The program, dealing with language and culture, has been funded by the Chinese government.</p>
<p>A review concluded: “The primary concern is the fact that the NSW Department of Education is the only government department in the world that hosts a Confucius Institute, and that this arrangement places Chinese government appointees inside a NSW government department.”</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-too-few-home-grown-experts-on-the-chinese-communist-party-thats-a-problem-121174">Australia has too few home-grown experts on the Chinese Communist Party. That's a problem</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>On a totally different front, hearings at the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption this week <a href="https://theconversation.com/nsw-alp-secretary-suspended-after-revelations-about-huang-xiangmo-money-122563">produced a new episode</a> in the long running saga of the activities of Chinese property developer Huang Xiangmo. </p>
<p>ICAC heard evidence that Huang allegedly gave $100,000 in cash to NSW Labor in 2015, despite donations from property developers being illegal. The ALP covered up the donation. As a result of the evidence, the general secretary of the NSW party Kaila Murnain has been suspended.</p>
<p>Leaving aside alleged egregious illegalities, the wider point is that large donations (and Huang donated to both sides) are made in the hope of buying political access and influence.</p>
<p>Huang, who late last year was stripped of his permanent residency and banned from re-entering Australia on ASIO advice because of concern over his links with the Chinese Communist Party, has achieved the bizarre distinction of having contributed to the political downfall of two senior Labor figures. </p>
<p>Former senator Sam Dastyari’s dealings with Huang were central to events leading Dastyari quitting parliament. </p>
<p>This was influence of a sort the billionaire businessman hadn’t quite intended.</p>
<p>Anyone identifying the challenges Scott Morrison will face this term would have to put managing the China relationship high on the list. It’s a complicated juggle, trying to keep bilateral relations on course while protecting Australia’s sovereignty, as well as advancing its strategic interests through policies such as the Pacific step up.</p>
<p>Although it’s sometimes interpreted as responding to US pressure, basically it is Australia’s own national interest currently driving its toughening position.</p>
<p>Much as we might wish Australia-China relations could be kept on an even keel, and crucial as that might be for Australia’s economic wellbeing, the indications suggest the ups and downs will continue and may get rougher.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122675/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Australia is being very explicit in response to concerns about China at the moment, increasingly prepared to put aside the imperatives of diplomacy when necessary.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1225462019-08-29T01:51:15Z2019-08-29T01:51:15ZYang Hengjun’s legal prospects in China appear grim, despite Australia’s forceful defences<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/289992/original/file-20190829-184240-1r1fu3b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Foreign Minister Marise Payne has made clear that Yang Hengjun was not spying on behalf of Australia, but it may matter little in China, where the conviction rate is more than 99%.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Bianca de Marchi/AAP</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-49479020">arrest of Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun</a> on suspicion of espionage in China has significant consequences for both Yang and Australia. </p>
<p>This is especially the case if China asserts Yang was spying for Australia. Espionage is a capital crime in China, and if convicted of such a charge, Yang would face the death penalty. </p>
<p>Australia remains resolutely opposed to the death penalty and has previously devoted considerable diplomatic and political efforts to protect Australians facing execution. In combination, these factors have the potential to <a href="https://theconversation.com/yang-hengjun-case-a-pivotal-moment-in-increasingly-tense-australia-china-relationship-122460">affect Australian-Chinese relations for years to come</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/yang-hengjun-appeals-to-scott-morrison-in-message-issued-by-supporters-122580">Yang Hengjun appeals to Scott Morrison in message issued by supporters</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Yang arrived in China in January direct from the US, but was quickly detained and has been held for questioning ever since. Australian consular access has been granted, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/28/yang-hengjun-australia-presses-for-writers-release-as-china-warns-against-interference">most recently on Tuesday</a>. However, Foreign Minister Marise Payne has expressed concerns over his welfare and the conditions of his detention. </p>
<p>Payne has also made clear that Yang was not spying on behalf of Australia, and has called for him to be treated in accordance with international human rights law. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1152094495929856000"}"></div></p>
<h2>Has Australian pressure worked in the past?</h2>
<p>The next steps will be for Yang to be formally charged, after which he will be subject to trial. Given the length of his detention so far and that he has now been formally arrested, Chinese prosecutors should be able to confirm the criminal charges against Yang without delay. </p>
<p>Consistent with Chinese criminal practice, his trial could be expected to take place relatively soon. And his legal prospects appear grim. Chinese courts have historically had conviction rates more than <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/03/11/china-scored-99-9-percent-conviction-rate-last-year/">99% in criminal cases</a>. </p>
<p>The Yang case has some parallels with that of the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/stern-hu-case-a-wake-up-call-on-the-challenges-of-china-relationship-20180706-p4zpx3.html">Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu</a>, a Chinese-born Australian citizen, who was arrested in Shanghai in July 2009 on bribery and acquisition of commercial secrets charges. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/foreign-minister-marise-payne-says-yang-hengjun-is-not-australian-spy-122453">Foreign Minister Marise Payne says Yang Hengjun is not Australian spy</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Hu was eventually <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/rio-tintos-stern-hu-jailed-10-years/news-story/704b4b2fb0e4bd2078ed1baea15b4cfd">convicted</a> following a short trial in March 2010. He was <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-04/stern-hu-explainer-why-china-jailed-the-former-mining-executive/9936578">released in July 2018</a> after serving nine years in prison. </p>
<p>After his arrest, Australia sought to assert its rights under the terms of the <a href="https://www.info.dfat.gov.au/Info/Treaties/treaties.nsf/AllDocIDs/1C1935E09A6E7033CA256B1E0015DF19">1999 Consular Relations Agreement between Australia and China</a>, a treaty that supplements the <a href="http://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_2_1963.pdf">Vienna Convention on Consular Relations</a> and provides clarity regarding the provision of consular access to detained nationals. </p>
<p>China did grant Australia consular access to Hu in prison, but Australian officials were prevented from attending part of his trial, which was closed. </p>
<p>That case created a headache for the Rudd government. Then-Foreign Minister Stephen Smith was actively engaged in seeking to ensure that Hu’s rights as an Australian citizen were upheld, but had little success.</p>
<h2>Yang’s rights under treaties and international law</h2>
<p>What, then, is the international legal framework for Australia to make representations on Yang’s behalf? </p>
<p>As Yang is a citizen, Australia is entitled to receive notifications from China within three days of arrest, custody pending trial or any form of detention. These requirements of the Consular Relations Agreement appear to have been met so far. </p>
<p>Likewise, Article 11 of the agreement provides for monthly consular access, which would allow Australian officials to communicate with Yang and arrange for his legal representation. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/yang-hengjun-case-a-pivotal-moment-in-increasingly-tense-australia-china-relationship-122460">Yang Hengjun case a pivotal moment in increasingly tense Australia-China relationship</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Again, it would appear that this has been complied with. Though Yang has been detained in secret for seven months without access to his family, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-27/china-charges-australian-writer-yang-hengjun-with-spying/11451984">he has been visited by consular staff seven times</a>. Yang has also been able to retain lawyers in China and also in Australia, but his lawyers have yet been able to actually communicate with him.</p>
<p>Importantly, the Consular Relations Agreement makes clear in Article 5 that consular functions include </p>
<blockquote>
<p>protecting and securing the rights and interests … of its nationals within the limits permitted by international law.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It is therefore significant that Payne has in recent days <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-28/china-warns-australia-not-to-interfere-in-yang-hengjun-case/11455804">directly referred to Australia’s expectations</a> that Yang’s ongoing detention be conducted in accordance with international law. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1166871528434044928"}"></div></p>
<p>In this respect, the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/">1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights</a> recognises a series of basic standards that apply to detained persons under arrest, including that they not be subject to torture, or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The declaration also recognises that the accused has the right to a fair and public hearing once a matter goes to trial and the right to legal representation.</p>
<p>While China is subject to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as part of customary international law, it has not accepted many of the core UN human rights treaties, including the <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx">1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights</a>. This treaty provides fundamental guarantees for a fair trial and limits the application of the death penalty. </p>
<p>Nevertheless, both Australia and China are parties to the <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/CAT.aspx">1984 Convention Against Torture</a>. As such, there is a clear legal basis for Australia to express its concerns over the conditions in which Yang has been held to date, which reportedly have included constant <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/28/yang-hengjun-australia-presses-for-writers-release-as-china-warns-against-interference">exposure to bright light</a>.</p>
<h2>Why China is unlikely to back down</h2>
<p>The Chinese Foreign Ministry <a href="http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/sghdxwfb_1/t1692443.htm">responded</a> to Payne’s comments by stating </p>
<blockquote>
<p>Australia should respect China’s judicial sovereignty and not interfere in any way in China’s lawful handling of the case. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>This statement gives a hint to one of the fundamental legal difficulties Australia will confront in Yang’s case. </p>
<p>Yang was born in China and at one time served as a Chinese diplomat. China has strict laws that make it very difficult to renounce Chinese citizenship. Even if a citizen acquires another nationality, as Yang has with Australia, China will often not accord full entitlements to the other state of nationality. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-democracy-peddler-yang-hengjun-has-been-detained-in-china-and-why-he-must-be-released-120751">Why 'Democracy peddler' Yang Hengjun has been detained in China and why he must be released</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Because Yang has been accused of spying, which under the laws of any country goes to the heart of state security and sovereignty, this will only further harden China’s position. This explains why Australia has used such forceful language regarding the Yang case and has quickly moved from quiet diplomacy between foreign ministers to public statements.</p>
<p>Australia appears ready for a tough diplomatic battle with China over this matter. But with the bilateral relationship at such a delicate point, there will be a desire in Canberra to place a silo around this exceptionally challenging consular case so that it does not impact Australia’s economic ties with China.</p>
<p>However, given the espionage allegations and potential for the death penalty to be applied, this will prove to be particularly difficult.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122546/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Donald R. Rothwell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The detained writer is entitled to Australian consular access while in prison in China, but like other detained Chinese-Australians, Canberra has few other legal options to help him.Donald R. Rothwell, Professor, ANU College of Law, Australian National UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1224602019-08-28T20:03:55Z2019-08-28T20:03:55ZYang Hengjun case a pivotal moment in increasingly tense Australia-China relationship<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/289746/original/file-20190828-184217-6gc7mm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, but China has released no details of the allegations to date.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Facebook</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>In diplomacy, there are moments that help to define the trajectory of a relationship between countries, and these can be either good and bad.</p>
<p>Australia and China appear to be living through one of those bad moments following <a href="https://theconversation.com/foreign-minister-marise-payne-says-yang-hengjun-is-not-australian-spy-122453">the arrest of an Australian citizen of Chinese origin</a> for espionage.</p>
<p>This is a serious situation by any standards. In China, spying is a capital offence that can lead to the death penalty.</p>
<p>What makes the formal arrest of writer Yang Hengjun on suspicion of “committing espionage crimes” a potentially defining moment is that it coincides with a persistent downturn in the relationship between Canberra and Beijing.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-chinese-authors-detention-raises-important-questions-about-chinas-motivations-110433">Australian-Chinese author's detention raises important questions about China's motivations</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>In its spying allegations, China has not specified on whose behalf Yang may have been “spying”. Given his record as a critic of the Chinese state, one should be sceptical about these allegations.</p>
<p>Australia has denied emphatically any suggestion of an espionage relationship with the Australian-Chinese writer. Foreign Minister Marise Payne said: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>There is no basis for any allegation Dr Yang was spying for the Australian government.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Payne used <a href="https://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2019/mp_mr_190827.aspx?w=E6pq%2FUhzOs%2BE7V9FFYi1xQ%3D%3D">unusually blunt language</a> in her initial response to news of Yang’s arrest.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The government is very concerned and disappointed to learn that Australian citizen and academic Dr Yang Hengjun was formally arrested in China on suspicion of espionage on 23 August and will continue to be criminally detained.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Whether intended, or not, the words “criminally detained” could be read two ways. Payne could simply have meant that Yang continued to be detained. On the other hand, her words could suggest she believes he was unlawfully detained. </p>
<p>Either way, this is an uncharacteristically strong intervention by a foreign minister who has a reputation for being super cautious.</p>
<p>Canberra might seek to pretend it is <a href="https://dfat.gov.au/trade/resources/Documents/chin.pdf">business as usual</a> with China given the continued strength of the trading relationship, but that aside it is now clear relations are heading further into troubled waters.</p>
<p>This may have been inevitable given China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.</p>
<p>But the Yang episode has brought into sharp relief the tensions that have resided not far below the surface in the Australia-China relationship.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-democracy-peddler-yang-hengjun-has-been-detained-in-china-and-why-he-must-be-released-120751">Why 'Democracy peddler' Yang Hengjun has been detained in China and why he must be released</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>These have been festering since then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull adopted a harder-edged approach to dealing with perceived Chinese interference in Australia’s internal affairs.</p>
<p>This involved the passage of <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-24/explainer-foreign-interference-laws/9356050">foreign interference laws</a> aimed at limiting China’s ability to influence Australia’s internal political debate. The new laws restricted donations to political parties and a installed a registration system for entities that might seek domestic political leverage.</p>
<p>At the same time, Turnbull ramped up Australia’s rhetoric about alleged Chinese interference. Australia, he said, would “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-09/malcolm-turnbull-says-he-will-stand-up-for-australia/9243274">stand up</a>” against such interference.</p>
<p>This statement infuriated Beijing, since it recalled Mao Zedong’s words in proclaiming the People’s Republic on October 1 1949, the 70th anniversary of which will be celebrated the length and breadth of China in a month’s time.</p>
<p>There is some dispute among China historians whether Mao actually said these words from the Gate of Heavenly Peace overlooking Tiananmen Square. In any case, they are embedded in Chinese mythology.</p>
<p>Turnbull exhibited poor political judgment in throwing a sacred Chinese text back in Beijing’s face. He compounded the mistake by repeating the words in Mandarin.</p>
<p>Since then no Australian prime minister has visited Beijing. Ministers who find their way to China are treated coolly.</p>
<p>On a recent visit to Beijing for talks on the Regional Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP), Trade Minister Simon Birmingham <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/aug/04/simon-birmingham-says-threat-of-new-us-tariffs-on-china-may-breach-wto-rules">was not granted a formal meeting</a> with his Chinese counterpart. He had to make do with an encounter on the sidelines.</p>
<p>In such ways does China makes its displeasure known.</p>
<p>That unhappiness will not have dissipated following Australian-US ministerial consultations (AUSMIN) in Sydney earlier this month. The Americans, led by hawkish Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, pushed Australia towards a <a href="https://foreignminister.gov.au/transcripts/Pages/2019/mp_tr_190804.aspx">harder-edged position on China</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/289774/original/file-20190828-184217-uggsb3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/289774/original/file-20190828-184217-uggsb3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/289774/original/file-20190828-184217-uggsb3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/289774/original/file-20190828-184217-uggsb3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/289774/original/file-20190828-184217-uggsb3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/289774/original/file-20190828-184217-uggsb3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/289774/original/file-20190828-184217-uggsb3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">At the recent AUSMIN talks, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pushed for a harder-edged position on China.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP/Bianca de Marchi</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This was reflected in a <a href="https://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2019/mp_mr_190804.aspx">ministerial communique</a> that singled out Beijing for a range of provocative actions in what China regards as its sphere of influence.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The principals expressed serious concerns at continued militarisation of disputed features in the South China Sea. They strongly objected to coercive unilateral actions by any claimant state that could alter the status quo and increase tensions.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The communique went on at greater length about what Canberra and Washington perceive to be the unhelpful activities of China in its neighbourhood.</p>
<p>Historically, the 2019 AUSMIN session may well come to be regarded as an inflection point in Australian and US collaboration in dealing with threats posed to regional peace and stability by a rising China.</p>
<p>In the lead-up to AUSMIN, China had made its disappointment with Australia known in remarks by its foreign minister, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of an Association of South East Asian Nations forum in Bangkok in early August.</p>
<p>Payne had described a meeting with Wang as “productive”. Wang, on the other hand, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-03/australia-china-relationship-asean-summit-marise-payne-wang-yi/11381226">said</a> that “the process of improving our ties has not been satisfactory”.</p>
<p>In light of this, it’s likely relations have become even less satisfactory since the AUSMIN talks.</p>
<p>Hard on the heels of AUSMIN came the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/we-must-see-china-the-opportunities-and-the-threats-with-clear-eyes-20190807-p52eon.html">extraordinary intervention</a> in the China debate by Liberal backbencher Andrew Hastie, who likened France’s failure to withstand Nazi Germany to the West’s inadequate responses to China’s rise.</p>
<p>Prime Minister Scott Morrison tried to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/we-need-to-talk-about-china-why-hastie-was-right-to-sound-the-alarm-20190808-p52f8u.html">brush aside</a> Hastie’s provocative remarks by suggesting there was nothing new in what he had to say. This was disingenuous, given the circumstances.</p>
<p>In Beijing for trade talks at the time, Birmingham appealed to his colleagues to consider the “national interest” before indulging in the sort of intemperate observations that Hastie had committed himself to in a newspaper opinion piece.</p>
<p>None of this quietened a debate in Australia about managing relations with China. All sides of the debate are now engaged in what is arguably the most complex foreign policy dilemma in the history of the Federation.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-and-china-push-the-reset-button-on-an-important-relationship-106428">Australia and China push the 'reset' button on an important relationship</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Remarks made by Morrison in Hanoi on his way to the G7 summit in France will have further piqued Beijing’s displeasure. In response to questions at a press conference the prime minister appeared to align himself with Vietnam in its resistance to what is perceived to be China’s bullying of smaller states in the region.</p>
<p>Morrison did not directly identify China as the culprit but his <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-23/australia-vietnam-unite-in-efforts-in-the-south-china-sea/11443648">remarks were clear</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It’s not about picking sides. It’s about ensuring each and every nation in this region can have confidence in its independence and sovereignty.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Vietnam and China are at loggerheads over disputed waters in the East China Sea. Sharpening these differences is the potential for oil and gas riches in waters off Vietnam.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/despite-strong-words-the-us-has-few-options-left-to-reverse-chinas-gains-in-the-south-china-sea-97089">Despite strong words, the US has few options left to reverse China's gains in the South China Sea</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>This brings us back to the case of Yang Hengjun.</p>
<p>If relations were in better working order, would Yang be in the same situation? This is a reasonable question without an immediate answer.</p>
<p>However, what would seem to be relevant are the cases of <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadians-arrested-china-state-secret-1.5138103">two Canadians</a> detained last December and accused by Beijing of stealing state secrets. These are serious matters and, like Yang’s case, could involve the death penalty.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-15/canadians-detained-in-china-face-tough-interrogation/10621930">Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor</a> were detained following the arrest in Vancouver of Meng Wenzhou, the daughter of the founder of technology giant Huawei.</p>
<p>The US has been seeking Meng’s extradition to face charges of breaching sanctions against Iran.</p>
<p>US attempts to extradite Meng are making their way through the Canadian court system. Meanwhile, Kovrig and Spavor are hostages to a ruthless Chinese geopolitical power play.</p>
<p>In Yang’s case, Australia’s options are limited beyond pushing as hard as it can for his release. Now he has arrested for a serious crime, this will become more difficult.</p>
<p>The Yang episode may well prove a watershed moment in Australia-China relations against the background of gathering geopolitical tensions over trade and security.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122460/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Tony Walker does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The espionage allegation against the Australian writer comes against a backdrop of rising trade and political tensions – and the Australian government’s response is hardening.Tony Walker, Adjunct Professor, School of Communications, La Trobe UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1225802019-08-28T20:01:26Z2019-08-28T20:01:26ZYang Hengjun appeals to Scott Morrison in message issued by supporters<p>Yang Hengjun has appealed to Scott Morrison to please “help me go home as soon as possible” in a message his supporters say came via Tuesday’s visit to him by Australian officials.</p>
<p>As the Australian government continues its pressure on China over Yang’s formal arrest on suspicion of espionage, the message said Yang thanked his supporters.</p>
<p>He said: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>I am deeply indebted to the Australian embassy for coming to see me.</p>
<p>An [Ministry of State Security] investigation officer told me that Australia was small and wouldn’t care about me.</p>
<p>He said Australia was dependent on China for its trade and economy, and Canberra wouldn’t help me, let alone rescue me.</p>
<p>He said Australia wouldn’t help because I am not white.</p>
<p>This is nonsense. He was wrong. I am extremely grateful to the Australian Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Members of Parliament, the Embassy team, and the Ambassador for their help.</p>
</blockquote>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/foreign-minister-marise-payne-says-yang-hengjun-is-not-australian-spy-122453">Foreign Minister Marise Payne says Yang Hengjun is not Australian spy</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Yang said he had devoted the past 15 years to writing for China, for Chinese people, reform, and improving China-United States relations and China-Australia relations. He did not deserve the kind of treatment he was getting, he said.</p>
<p>Foreign Minister Marise Payne, who issued a strong statement on Tuesday, again said the government was seeking Yang’s release “particularly if he is only being held for his political beliefs.”</p>
<p>In comments on Wednesday, she also stressed that Yang should be accorded access to lawyers and held in appropriate conditions while in detention.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-writer-yang-hengjun-is-set-to-be-charged-in-china-at-an-awkward-time-for-australia-china-relations-120605">Australian writer Yang Hengjun is set to be charged in China at an awkward time for Australia-China relations</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Payne said the government had no reason to think his detention was connected to any other issues. The government has said Yang was not spying for Australia.</p>
<p>The Chinese government has reacted sharply to Australia’s pressure over Yang. A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry told reporters on Tuesday: “China deplores the Australian statement on this case. I would like to reiterate that China is a country with rule of law. Australia should respect China’s judicial sovereignty and not interfere in any way in China’s lawful handling of the case.”</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122580/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>As the Australian government continues to pressure China over Yang Hengjun’s formal arrest, Yang has appealed to Scott Morrison to please “help me go home as soon as possible”.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1224532019-08-27T02:09:39Z2019-08-27T02:09:39ZForeign Minister Marise Payne says Yang Hengjun is not Australian spy<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/289542/original/file-20190827-8860-zx17r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Dr Yang has been held in Beijing under harsh conditions, without access to lawyers or family for more than seven months before being formally arrested.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/law-justice-legality-concept-scales-justitia-1039467199?src=FzjtihO0kjSZgvhS2OK1Mw-1-26">Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Morrison government has declared that Australian citizen and writer Dr Yang Hengjun has not been spying for Australia.</p>
<p>Yang, 54, who has been incarcerated by the Chinese for more than seven months, was formally arrested last Friday on suspicion of espionage.</p>
<p>Foreign Minister Marise Payne, asked by The Conversation whether Yang had been spying for Australia, said “there is no basis for any allegation Dr Yang was spying for the Australian government”.</p>
<p>The Chinese have not specified who Yang is alleged to have been spying on behalf of.</p>
<p>A one-time official in the Chinese foreign ministry, Yang, who moved to Australia in 1999, has been an outspoken democracy advocate. </p>
<p>His charging will inject further tension into the already strained relationship between Australia and China.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1015089448923648000"}"></div></p>
<p>In a strong statement, Payne said the government was “very concerned and disappointed”. </p>
<p>“Dr Yang has been held in Beijing in harsh conditions without charge for more than seven months. 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,” Payne said.</p>
<p>“I have discussed this twice with China’s Foreign Minister, State Councilor Wang Yi, and have written to him three times, stating my concerns, and those of the Australian government and people. We have serious concerns for Dr Yang’s welfare, and about the conditions under which he is being been held. We have expressed these in clear terms to the Chinese authorities.”</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-democracy-peddler-yang-hengjun-has-been-detained-in-china-and-why-he-must-be-released-120751">Why 'Democracy peddler' Yang Hengjun has been detained in China and why he must be released</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Payne said Australia expected that “basic standards of justice and procedural fairness” were met.</p>
<p>“If Dr Yang is being held for his political beliefs, he should be released. We expect Dr Yang to be treated in accordance with international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with special attention to those provisions that prohibit torture and inhumane treatment, guard against arbitrary detention and that protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”</p>
<p>Consular officials are due to visit Yang immediately.</p>
<p>Payne said she would “continue to advocate strongly on behalf of Dr Yang to ensure a satisfactory explanation of the basis for his arrest, that he is treated humanely and that he is allowed to return home”.</p>
<p>Yang, who was living in the United States and was a visiting scholar at Columbia University, flew to China with his wife and child in January. He was detained at once. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that month that he was suspected of “engaging in criminal acts that endangered China’s national security”.</p>
<p>Yang’s Australian lawyer Rob Stary welcomed Payne’s strong statement, saying government engagement was important from the outset, given the alleged offence of espionage was one that could carry the death penalty.</p>
<p>Stary said that he had not been able to speak directly to Yang, who was given court-appointed Chinese lawyers.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122453/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Outspoken Australian-Chinese democracy advocate Dr Yang Hengjun has been formally arrested in China on suspicion of spying, further straining relations between the two countries.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1206052019-07-18T11:45:00Z2019-07-18T11:45:00ZAustralian writer Yang Hengjun is set to be charged in China at an awkward time for Australia-China relations<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/284697/original/file-20190718-116552-czxlm1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=27%2C2%2C931%2C715&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Charges against Yang appear to relate to his work as a writer and blogger in which he has been sharply critical of the Chinese regime. </span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.facebook.com/yanghengjun/photos/pcb.1346540698705144/1346540675371813/?type=3&theater">Facebook </a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Australia’s relations with China will be further complicated by the news that Australian citizen <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-18/yang-hengjun-set-to-face-charges-of-endangering-the-state/11322704">Yang Hengjun</a> is set to be charged with endangering state security.</p>
<p>This is a serious charge that carries the penalty of at least three years in jail.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-chinese-authors-detention-raises-important-questions-about-chinas-motivations-110433">Australian-Chinese author's detention raises important questions about China's motivations</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Yang’s wife Yuan Xiaoliang was notified earlier today that her husband would be charged, a day before the six-month deadline determining whether he is to be released, charged or have his detention extended.</p>
<p>Charges against Yang appear to relate to his work as a writer and blogger in which he has been sharply critical of the Chinese regime. He developed a large following on Chinese social media and on Twitter, and his criticisms will have infuriated Chinese authorities.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1151775518494089216"}"></div></p>
<p>Yang was arrested after he returned to China earlier this year with his family. He has been held in a Beijing state security prison since then, without access to lawyers, and denied contact with his family.</p>
<p>Australian attempts to secure access have been rebuffed.</p>
<h2>Canberra’s relations with Beijing</h2>
<p>China’s decision to charge Yang comes at an awkward moment in relations between Beijing and Canberra.</p>
<p>Australia this week was obliged to step up its consular efforts to persuade China to allow <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/uighurs-in-australia-go-public-to-pressure-china-to-release-family-members">Uyghur families</a> to leave Xinjiang to be reunited with their Australian families.</p>
<p>This followed broadcast an ABC four Corners program that <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/tell-the-world/11311228">drew attention</a> to the plight of Uighurs in Xinjiang. Up to a million out of a population of 11 million in the region are reported to be in “re-education” camps.</p>
<p>This has drawn <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/china-is-brainwashing-uighur-children-how-much-longer-will-the-world-look-away/2019/07/13/3eccef86-a1bf-11e9-bd56-eac6bb02d01d_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.33b9def361ac">outrage globally</a>. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/four-corners-forced-labour-expose-shows-why-you-might-be-wearing-slave-made-clothes-115462">Four Corners’ forced labour exposé shows why you might be wearing slave-made clothes</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>China’s official media <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-17/uyghur-china-response-four-corners-xinjiang-detention/11316752">responded harshly</a> to the ABC program and to criticism of China’s treatment of Uyghurs more generally. The Global Times newspaper, which tends to reflect a hardline nationalist view, accused critics of “recklessly attacking” China.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1151726348525662208"}"></div></p>
<p>Yang’s case reflects China’s extreme sensitivity to criticism.</p>
<p>This episode won’t help Australia’s efforts to get its relationship with China on more stable footing after several years of difficulties. </p>
<p>China had objected to criticism of its attempts to interfere in Australian domestic politics via Chinese nationals associated with Beijing. This led to a <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/ciobo-breaks-freeze-on-visits-to-china-with-trip-to-shanghai">freeze on visits</a> to China by Australian political leaders. While that freeze has thawed, tensions remain.</p>
<h2>Chinese laws affect other western democracies</h2>
<p>Australia is far from alone among western democracies whose citizens have fallen foul of opaque and arbitary Chinese law and legal procedures.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/16/canadians-detained-in-china-charged-with-espionage">Canada</a> is wrestling with the cases of two of its citizens who have been held without charge since last year. China has accused the pair of stealing state secrets.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1151678057251405825"}"></div></p>
<p>This is a serious charge that can result in the death penalty.</p>
<p>The two Canadians were detained after the arrest at Vancouver airport of Meng Wanzhou, daughter of the founder of the Chinese telecommunications giant, Huawei. Meng is appealing attempts by the United States to extradite her to face charge of fraud.</p>
<p>This is a highly contentious issue, and one that is complicating relations between Washington, Ottawa and Beijing.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/avoiding-the-china-trap-how-australia-and-the-us-can-remain-close-despite-the-threat-118991">Avoiding the China trap: how Australia and the US can remain close despite the threat</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Apart from arresting the Canadians accused of stealing state secrets, China has also taken aim at Canada economically. It has stopped Canadian rapeseed oil imports, dealing a hefty blow to a multibillion dollar canola industry.</p>
<p>What the Canadian arrests, and now that of an Australian writer, demonstrates is that relations with China are unlikely to become less complicated. Rather, it is likely they will become more so.</p>
<p>Among challenges for countries like Australia is how to quarantine issues of mistreatment of its citizens and broader human rights abuses, from the functioning of broad-ranging bilateral relations.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/120605/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Tony Walker does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Yang’s detainment is set to further complicate Australia’s relationship with China.Tony Walker, Adjunct Professor, School of Communications, La Trobe UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1104332019-01-25T06:24:48Z2019-01-25T06:24:48ZAustralian-Chinese author’s detention raises important questions about China’s motivations<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/255527/original/file-20190125-108355-xpcj7a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Is the arrest of Yang Hengjun part of a series of retaliatory measures by the Chinese government?</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">PEN America</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/detention-of-an-australian-in-china-is-canberra-s-worst-nightmare-20190123-p50t3f.html">arrest of an Australian-Chinese citizen</a> in China for unspecified reasons is the last thing Australia needs at a sensitive moment in the reset of a relationship that has chilled over the past two years.</p>
<p>But whether it likes it or not, Canberra is being drawn into a broader controversy over China’s detention of foreign nationals on grounds that are opaque and at the mercy of an unpredictable Chinese justice system.</p>
<p>The arrest last weekend of author and diplomat Yang Hengjun raises the question of whether he has become part of a pattern of retaliatory measures by a Chinese government that finds itself under stress from within and without.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/huawei-executives-arrest-will-further-test-an-already-shaky-us-china-relationship-108478">Huawei executive's arrest will further test an already shaky US-China relationship</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>At this stage it has not been revealed why Yang, a critic of China’s Communist Party, has been detained. On a previous visit to China in 2011 he was arrested and released without charge. He described that episode as a “misunderstanding”.</p>
<p>What should concern Australian officials is that Yang will find himself lumped with other foreign nationals from countries that may have displeased China and therefore become hostages to a wider diplomatic game.</p>
<p>Beijing’s initially muted response to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-23/huawei-banned-from-providing-5g-mobile-technology-australia/10155438">Australia’s decision</a> to exclude, on security grounds, the Chinese technology behemoth Huawei from building its 5G network may have disguised more intense displeasure.</p>
<p>In the case of the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-15/canadians-detained-in-china-face-tough-interrogation/10621930">arrest late last year of two Canadian nationals</a> on accusations of “endangering national security”, it is hard to place any other interpretation on their detention than that they are pawns, even hostages, in a broader conflict.</p>
<p>Diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested following the <a href="https://theconversation.com/huawei-executives-arrest-will-further-test-an-already-shaky-us-china-relationship-108478">detention in Vancouver</a> of the chief financial officer and daughter of the founder of Huawei, pending her extradition to the United States.</p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/255543/original/file-20190125-108364-mjxlg8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/255543/original/file-20190125-108364-mjxlg8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=811&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/255543/original/file-20190125-108364-mjxlg8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=811&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/255543/original/file-20190125-108364-mjxlg8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=811&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/255543/original/file-20190125-108364-mjxlg8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1019&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/255543/original/file-20190125-108364-mjxlg8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1019&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/255543/original/file-20190125-108364-mjxlg8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1019&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP/EPA/ Maxim Shipenkov</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-huawei-tech/us-will-seek-extradition-of-huawei-cfo-from-canada-idUSKCN1PG2HL">US Justice Department </a> is bringing charges against Meng Wanzhou for violating sanctions against Iran.</p>
<p>Her case is highly sensitive and enmeshed in a complex US-China relationship scarred by an ongoing trade dispute. In all of this, Canada, in its response to a US extradition request, finds itself the target of Chinese reprisals.</p>
<p>In the case of the unfortunate Canadians ensnared in a diplomatic argument that originated in Washington, a Chinese saying could be applied:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Kill the chicken to frighten the monkey.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In this case, Canada is the “chicken” and the United States is the “monkey”.</p>
<p>Whatever China’s tactics are in all of this, the arrest of the Canadian nationals on national security grounds represents a very serious development. The ripples from it are spreading as more and more countries become alarmed at China’s resort to what could be described as hostage-taking to protect – or advance – its interests.</p>
<p>One lesson might be that if a country, or a company for that matter, finds itself in a dispute with China, then advice to its nationals or employees should be to steer clear of the People’s Republic.</p>
<p>China’s behaviour in this latest stage would hardly seem to correspond with respect for a rules-based international order.</p>
<p>What can be read into these worrying developments is that under pressure, the Chinese regime is adopting a more combative approach to dealing with its foreign policy challenges as its size and reach brings it into conflict with the United States and its allies.</p>
<p>A slowing Chinese economy is adding to pressures on a regime whose tenure depends on maintaining employment and countering unrest.</p>
<p>Above all else, the issue of “stability” preoccupies China’s leaders, who are familiar with the chaos that has swept the country in its long history.</p>
<p>In Beijing this week, President Xi Jinping expressed his concerns about a difficult period ahead for China as it grapples with challenges at home and abroad.</p>
<p>Speaking to officials he warned of a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/22/xi-warns-china-to-maintain-political-security-against-black-swans-of-economic-volatility">“black swan” event</a>, in which China might be obliged to deal with unexpected developments that threw it off its course. This included what he called a “grey rhinoceros event” - a reference to known risks that are ignored until too late. He said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>In the face of a turbulent international situation, a complex and sensitive environment, and the arduous task of reform… We must be highly vigilant against “black swan” and “grey rhinoceros” incidents.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>These sentiments are hardly surprising given the challenges China faces in transforming its economy from an investment-led to a demand-driven model in a slowing economic environment. But they do suggest a higher-than-usual level of anxiety in Beijing in this latest period.</p>
<p>In the years since China began opening up to the world in the late 1970s, it is hard to identify a period that is more challenging for a hard-pressed Chinese leadership. One possible exception is a period in the early 1990s when the country struggled with inflationary pressures and risks of a hard economic landing from a retrenchment in government spending.</p>
<p>The difference between now and then is that China’s economy then was a fraction of the size it is today. Ripples from a Chinese slowdown were hardly felt beyond China’s shores.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-and-china-push-the-reset-button-on-an-important-relationship-106428">Australia and China push the 'reset' button on an important relationship</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Today, the effects of a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/the-global-economic-slowdown-is-accelerating-and-australia-is-vulnerable-20190122-p50suq.html">slowing Chinese economy</a> will have an impact across the globe. This is not least in Australia, one-third of whose exports in goods and services are bound up in a trading relationship.</p>
<p>Australian official cautiousness over the detention of an Australian-Chinese national is explained by a desire not to elevate a dispute with Beijing beyond what is necessary.</p>
<p>Foreign Minister Marise Payne has joined her Canadian and other colleagues in expressing “concern” over the detention of the two Canadians in apparent retaliation for the detention of the Huawei official.</p>
<p>If it transpires that an Australian-Chinese citizen has been similarly detained, Payne will have to go beyond simply expressing concern in solidarity with the Canadians.</p>
<p>In defence of their nationals, including a third individual whose sentence of 15 years for drug smuggling was converted to a death penalty, <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-freeland-china-diplomatic-push-1.4987378">Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland have been outspoken</a>.</p>
<p>What should now be clear is that expectations of China becoming a benign power are mistaken. These latest episodes are proving to be a lesson in dealing with a country that is no longer <a href="https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/24-character.htm">“hiding its capacities” and “biding its time”</a>, as former paramount leader Deng Xiaoping advised.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/110433/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Tony Walker does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The unexplained detention of author and diplomat Yang Hengjun has raised more questions about the motives of a Chinese government under stress from within and without.Tony Walker, Adjunct Professor, School of Communications, La Trobe UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.