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China Warns Australia Not to Interfere in Case of Writer Suspected of Spying

Phil Mercer

   SYDNEY - Chinese authorities have warned Australia not to interfere in
   the case of a Chinese-Australian writer who has been formally arrested
   in China on suspicion of spying. Yang Hengjun, who was born in China
   but is an Australian citizen, has been held in Beijing since January.
   Australia has become increasingly critical of China's treatment of him
   in recent months.

   Yang Hengjun has been under investigation for allegedly harming China's
   national security, but Australian officials have been told he is now
   suspected of espionage. The former Chinese diplomat has been detained
   in Beijing without access to family or lawyers since January.

   In a strongly worded statement, the Australian government says the
   writer is being held in "harsh conditions" and it has "serious concerns
   for his welfare." Foreign minister Marise Payne said that if the
   Sydney-based academic was "being held for his political beliefs, he
   should be released."
   

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