Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who is being held in China due to concerns about national security, has written a heartfelt letter, described as a “love letter” to her country, revealing the challenging conditions she faces during her imprisonment.
Cheng, aged 48, used to work as a business TV anchor for a Chinese state-owned channel China Global Television Network (CGTN).
For the first time since her arrest in 2020, Cheng made her initial public statement today, 2 days prior to her 3rd year anniversary in detention.
She conveyed her first public message through a “love letter to 25 million people” of Australia, a statement she dictated to consular staff during a visit and that was later released by her partner.
Cheng conveyed that she misses her Children the most. Her kids, currently aged 12 and 14, live with their grandmother in Victoria and haven’t had the chance to regularly communicate with Cheng.
She shared, “Every year the bedding is taken into the sun for two hours to air. When it came back last time, I wrapped myself in the doona and pretended I was being hugged by my family under the sun.”
She decried that in her cell, the sunlight comes in through the window, but she can only be in it for 10 hours a year.
She hasn’t had a chance to see a tree in 3 years and regret avoiding the sun when she used to live freely in Australia, Cheng pens in her letter.
Cheng, who relocated to Australia at the age of 10, fondly remembers her upbringing in a diverse country. “Even though languages and meals may vary, our laughter and appreciation for the ludicrous remain the same. We approach enjoyment earnestly and find amusement in the serious.”
Cheng’s partner, Nick Coyle, shared that the letter serves as a “way for the public to connect with her and understand what she longs for from her country.”
He added, “I can’t help but think that the more time you spend in a situation like that, it’s not just the major things but also the small things that become significant.”
Cheng Lei’s continued detention without a verdict is causing harm to China’s global reputation, according to her partner.
Response of Australian Government
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, acknowledged that Cheng’s statement was deeply touching and demonstrated her strong connection to Australia.
He emphasized, “Given that Cheng Lei has been detained for three years, it is evident that this matter should be resolved.” He also mentioned discussing the issue in a prior meeting with Xi.
However, Albanese stated on Friday that the timing of his potential visit to China is not based on transactions.
Although Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been invited to meet with Xi Jinping in Beijing, he is facing significant domestic pressure to delay the trip until both Ms. Cheng and fellow Australian Yang Hengjun are released. Pressure from the public is mounting on his government to secure the release of Cheng
On Friday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that Cheng’s public message makes clear her profound affection and deep love for the nation.
Wong stated “Every Australian wishes for Cheng’s reunion with her Children.”
She added, “Australia has consistently urged for Ms. Cheng’s case to adhere to fundamental principles of justice, fair procedures, and humane treatment.”
The Australian government has made a consistent commitment to continue advocating for Cheng’s reunion with her family.
Cheng Lei’s detention used by the Chinese government for negotiation with Australia?
Cheng was arrested in August 2020 following a request from the former Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, for an independent investigation into the COVID-19 virus’s beginnings.Â
There is speculation that China interpreted this action as a threat to its national control, though it remains uncertain if the arrest and the request are related.
For the initial six months of her detention, she was held alone in confinement without any charges filed against her and the exact nature of the accusations against her has not been disclosed to the public.
Moreover, Cheng is still awaiting a verdict, even though her hidden trial took place over a year ago in a private court in Beijing.
Some people have speculated that the delay in Ms. Cheng’s sentencing might be intended to use her case as a bargaining tool in the Chinese government’s negotiations with Australia
Her family is not aware about the specific charges against her, except for the general mention of passing along “state secrets.”
The definition of a state secret in China is quite unclear and can include anything that the government considers sensitive.
In May, Xiao Qian, the Chinese ambassador to Australia, informed Guardian Australia that national security-related issues required “extra time” for reaching verdicts.
He emphasized his personal sympathy for Cheng and expressed his commitment to facilitating greater access for her partner, friends, and family, ensuring they receive updates on her well-being.
Recently China had lifted sanctions on Australian barley. This development has led to expectations that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese might accept an invitation to visit Beijing this year.
Amid a diplomatic disagreement that is slowly improving, China’s expansion of restrictions on Australian exports led to Cheng’s detention, a matter that the Australian government has continuously raised concerns about.
