https://www.dw.com/en/china-australian-blogger-given-suspended-death-sentence/a-68171291
In this article, an Australian citizen named Yang Hengjun, who is a writer and blogger, has been detained in China for allegations of espionage. The Australian government has stated that a court in Beijing has handed the writer a suspended death sentence for these allegations. With limited details of the case against him, Yang has been accused of spying for a country China has not announced to the public. The sentence of this pro-democratic blogger is expected to be commuted to life imprisonment. Australia has expressed its strong disapproval of the sentencing and has been seeking Yang’s release, especially after learning about serious health issues Yang has had while in detention. This case is highlighted as it creates diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Canberra over security and human rights issues.
This article is very interesting and concerning because of how this could affect the relations between Australia and China. The detention Yang has experienced must have taken a great toll on this man, both physically and mentally. His health might become worse if he is not released and sent back to Australia. If he dies in Chinese custody because they have chosen not to get him to a hospital or release him back to Australia’s care, this could spark tensions and damage relations between the two countries. This could come with political, social and economic ramifications if China and Australia do not reach a diplomatic solution concerning the blogger.
In International Relations, we have discussed national security, where a state feels a need to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and vital interests both foreign and domestic. China has felt the need to protect its national security from Yang Hengjun and if they do not release him to Australia, China might lose some vital interests they have with Australia. We have also talked about the liberal approach to security, where states take a multilateral approach and approach intervention through cooperation. China and Australia really need to cooperate with each other in regards to Yang’s release and his current physical and mental health condition.