Chinese-Australian Writer Detained in China Expresses Fear for His Life as Kidney Cyst Threatens Health
Australian writer Yang Hengjun, who has been detained in China for over four years, recently revealed that he fears he might not survive his incarceration after a large cyst was discovered on his kidney. Yang, an Australian citizen and democracy activist, was arrested in 2019 during a visit to his family in China and accused of espionage, a charge he vehemently denies. Despite his trial being held in secret in 2021, a verdict has been repeatedly postponed.
In a distressing message to his supporters last Thursday, 58-year-old Yang disclosed that he has been experiencing discomfort and pain in his kidney for the past couple of months. Following a recent medical examination, a doctor informed Yang that he has a 10-centimeter cyst that is putting pressure on his kidney. The writer expressed concern that if his health deteriorates and he passes away while in detention, the truth about his condition might never be known to the outside world. Yang questioned, If something happens to me, who can speak for me?
Feng Chongyi, Yang’s friend and former PhD supervisor at the University of Technology, Sydney, called upon the Australian government to collaborate with the international community to urge China to release Yang on medical parole. Chongyi emphasized that Yang’s life is in danger and stated, His real ‘crime’ is his advocacy for universal values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, when asked about Yang’s case during a news conference on Monday, pledged to raise concerns about Yang’s health during his upcoming meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi next month. Albanese asserted that the Australian government consistently addresses issues concerning its citizens when engaging with international counterparts, including China.
Born in China, Yang had previously served as an official in the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Despite holding Australian citizenship, he primarily resided in the United States. Before his detention, Yang regularly shared satirical commentaries critical of the Chinese government with his nearly 130,000 followers on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Notably, Yang is one of two Australians currently detained in China. Cheng Lei, an Australian TV anchor employed by China’s state broadcaster CGTN, has been held for three years on allegations of illegally supplying state secrets overseas.
The situation surrounding Yang’s detention and the concerns for his health have garnered international attention. Human rights organizations, supporters, and diplomatic entities are closely monitoring the developments in hopes of ensuring his well-being and securing his release. As China faces mounting pressure from the global community, the fate of Yang Hengjun remains uncertain, leaving advocates worried for his safety and pushing for urgent actions that may secure his freedom.
