Jenny Wong has informed China’s foreign minister that Australians were “shocked” by Dr. Yang Jun’s death sentence and has issued a warning that the federal government will keep pushing for the release of the imprisoned writer.
At their meeting today in Canberra, Wong discussed the need for a “mature and productive relationship” while bringing up the issue of Yang and China’s human rights record with her Chinese colleague, Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
At a press conference after the meeting, Wong stated, “The meeting was an opportunity for both the minister and I to exchange frank views on issues that matter to us.”
“We talked about Dr. Yang Jun’s sentence.
I informed the foreign minister that the Australian government will persist in its support of Dr. Yang, stating that Australians were taken aback by the sentence handed down.
“I also brought up our worries regarding additional death penalty cases in Australia. Australia, as you are aware, is against the death sentence for all peoples and under all circumstances.”
After the meeting, Wang avoided speaking with the media.
The meeting takes place as the two countries’ relations continue to improve; China’s second-in-command, Premier Li Qiang, is scheduled to visit Australia later this year to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and tariffs on Australian wine are about to be lifted.
In addition, Australia has loosened regulations on wind turbines manufactured in China; according to Wong, this move was not made in exchange for the reduction of wine duties.
“Minister (Ed) Husic has made a decision based on the apolitical and evidence‑based recommendation from the Anti-Dumping Commissioner,” she stated.
“And Australia has made clear the independence of that commission and our trade remedy system.”
Wong stated that Australia and China needed “to disagree where we must and cooperate where we can,” in line with the government’s general strategy throughout the previous two years.
She stated, “We do have significant differences.”
“We can handle our differences when we engage in dialogue. Although it doesn’t get rid of them, this administration will always try to handle those differences sensibly for Australia’s benefit.
“As I said in the outset of my meeting, China will always be China, Australia will always be Australia.”
