Statement on detention of Mr Yang Hengjun

The Chinese authorities gave formal notification to our Embassy in Beijing last night that they have detained Mr Yang Hengjun, an Australian citizen. We will continue to make representations to China to ensure that this matter is dealt with transparently and fairly.

Our Embassy in Beijing will meet with Chinese authorities this morning to seek further clarification of the nature of this detention and to arrange consular access at the earliest possible opportunity, in accordance with the bilateral consular agreement.