The brittle nature of the dictatorship is evident in its heavy-handed approach, especially in the ad hoc and inconsistent treatment of political prisoners, as highlighted through the cases of Yang Hengjun and Cheng Lei, both Australian citizens apprehended for alleged crimes against the state. Cheng Lei’s unexpected release was hailed as a diplomatic success for Australia, but Yang Hengjun was not so fortunate, languishing in a prison cell awaiting a suspended death penalty after a five-year delay leading to a secret trial in 2021.
Cheng Lei’s freedom and return to Australia after three years in detention were celebrated, with her experience serving as a reminder of the harsh realities of the regime’s use of the judicial system for political outcomes. However, Yang Hengjun’s case is a testament to the dictatorship’s heavy-handed approach and lack of fairness and justice.
The increased brittleness of the regime is evident not only in its handling of political prisoners but in its treatment of other dissident voices, both within China and abroad, serving as a stern warning to anyone who speaks out against the regime. This lack of fairness and justice is a disturbing reflection of the regime’s principles, or lack thereof, and its broader approach to governance.