Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has explained her efforts to bring journalist Cheng Lei back to Australia, stating that it was a promise she made to Cheng’s children. Cheng, a Chinese-born Australian journalist, had spent three years in prison in China after being accused of illegally supplying state secrets overseas. Wong raised Cheng’s case in her first meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and advocated for her release in every subsequent meeting with Chinese counterparts. Cheng was recently released and reunited with her children, and Wong expressed her joy at fulfilling her promise. Opposition leader Peter Dutton and shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham also thanked those who worked for Cheng’s release.
However, not all Australian officials were supportive of Cheng’s release. Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information request revealed that former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews refused to make representations for Cheng during his visit to China in March. Andrews did not address the case when asked about it upon his return. The reasons behind his decision were not provided, and State Opposition Leader John Pesutto called on the Victorian government to explain why the issue was not raised during Andrews’ trip.
Wong stated that Cheng’s return has benefited Australia’s relationship with China, although there are still areas of disagreement. Australian National University’s China Studies academic Graeme Smith noted that Beijing’s economic situation and its need for stability contributed to the pressure to release Cheng. Malcolm Davis, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, suggested that there may have been a quid pro quo involved in Cheng’s release, and that Beijing can continue to detain Australians on similar charges.
The Australian government and opposition continue to advocate for the release of Australian writer and pro-democracy activist Yang Hengjun, who remains incarcerated in China. Opposition leader Anthony Albanese is expected to travel to China before the end of the year.