After more than three years of detention in China, Australian journalist Cheng Lei has finally been released and reunited with her family in Melbourne. The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, announced her release and expressed his relief and happiness at her return. Cheng Lei, who was working as a business reporter for China’s state-run English language TV station, CGTN, was arrested in August 2020 and later accused of “illegally supplying state secrets overseas”. However, her charges were never made public, and she was never formally sentenced. Her release comes as a positive development in the frosty relations between Australia and China, which have been strained during the pandemic.
Cheng Lei’s return marks the end of a challenging chapter for her and her family. Her detention in China was filled with uncertainty and secrecy, with the first six months spent in solitary confinement without any charges. Last March, she was tried in secret, and even Australia’s ambassador to China was unsuccessful in gaining entry to the court to witness the proceedings. Throughout her ordeal, Cheng Lei’s family and the Australian government were kept in the dark about the accusations against her.
Cheng Lei’s story resonates with many Australians, as she was born in China but migrated to Australia at a young age. She returned to China and joined CGTN in 2012 before her arrest in 2020. In an open letter to the people of Australia, she spoke about the hardships she faced during her imprisonment, such as the lack of sunlight and her longing to see trees again. Her emotional words touched the hearts of many, highlighting the human side of the situation.
The release of Cheng Lei comes at a time when tensions between Australia and China are beginning to ease. The pandemic had led to strained relations, with China imposing bans on Australian exports. However, earlier this year, these blocks were lifted, signaling a gradual thawing of the diplomatic impasse. Cheng Lei’s release further paves the way for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s planned trip to China later this year.
However, the case of Cheng Lei also raises concerns about the use of prisoners as political bargaining chips. Critics have long accused China of employing such tactics, with other cases like that of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor coming to light. They were detained in China and accused of espionage, only to be released hours after the US dropped its extradition request against Huawei’s CFO Meng Wanzhou. It is evident that the release of Cheng Lei is a positive development, but it is essential to remain vigilant about the treatment of other prisoners and Chinese-Australian relations.
Cheng Lei’s release is undoubtedly a significant moment for her and her family. It brings an end to the uncertainty and hardship they have endured for more than three years. The Australian government has been actively seeking her release, and her return will be warmly welcomed by all Australians. This positive development in Australia-China relations opens doors for potential cooperation and dialogue, fostering a more constructive relationship between the two countries. However, it also highlights the importance of protecting the rights of individuals caught in political crossfires and reinforces the need for transparency and fairness in legal procedures. As Cheng Lei begins her journey of recovery and as Australia navigates its diplomatic path with China, it is crucial to remember the human impact of these complex international dynamics.