"We ve had long-standing concerns about this case, including lack of transparency, and therefore have concluded that it s an arbitrary detention," Australia s ambassador to China said.
âThis is deeply regrettable and concerning and unsatisfactory,â he told reporters. Weâve had longstanding concerns about this case including lack of transparency and therefore have concluded that it s an arbitrary detention.
Authorities have not released any details of the charges against Mr Yang, a novelist who according to some unverified reports formerly worked for China s Ministry of State Security as an intelligence agent.
Mr Fletcher said China has only said that the charge against Mr Yang involves espionage. He said Australian diplomats last met with him via video link last month and were able to convey messages to and from his family. Mr Yang appeared to be in satisfactory health and had access to legal representation, Mr Fletcher said.