Australian writer Yang Hengjun - who has been imprisoned in China for five years on charges of espionage - was handed a suspended death sentence by a Beijing court today.

Yang, a 58-year-old blogger and pro-democracy activist, was arrested in January 2019 upon arriving at Guangzhou airport with his wife.

The court accused Yang of "endangering national security with particularly serious harm to the country and the people." The terms of the suspended death sentence indicate that Yang's punishment could be commuted to life imprisonment based on good behavior.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed deep dismay at the court's decision, stating, "The Australian government is appalled by this outcome." Wong confirmed that Australia would respond "in the strongest terms," including summoning the Chinese ambassador.

She acknowledged the distress felt by Yang and his family, emphasizing the years of uncertainty they have endured.

Yang has consistently denied the charges against him, a sentiment echoed by his friends and family. Feng Chongyi, a friend and colleague, asserted that Yang is being punished by the Chinese government for his outspoken criticism of human rights abuses in China and his advocacy for universal values such as human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

Feng revealed that Yang's family, who were present in court, informed him of the sentence. Previously, Feng had mentioned that Yang worked for the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) at the provincial level for 14 years before moving to Australia in 2000. Yang, who transformed into a liberal during his time in Australia, began writing spy novels as an outlet for his frustrations with his former work.

Yang's trial took place in May 2021, during which he had limited access to lawyers. China has not disclosed the exact charges against him or specified the country for which he is alleged to have been spying.

Supporters of Yang expressed their dismay at the court's decision, emphasizing his commitment to advocating for human rights and democratic values. The international community awaits further developments as Australia prepares to address this concerning situation with China.