‘Serious concerns’ for Australian journalist Cheng Lei arrested in China

The family of a high-profile Australian reporter arrested in China say she’s been detained for almost six months and her conditions are not improving.

A high-profile Australian television anchor working for the Chinese Government’s English news channel has been formally arrested on suspicion of illegally supplying state secrets overseas.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed Cheng Lei’s arrest on Monday after she was first detained by Chinese authorities on August 13.

Senator Payne said the CGTN journalist was formally arrested on February 5.

“The Australian Government has raised its serious concerns about Ms Cheng’s detention regularly at senior levels, including about her welfare and conditions of detention,” Senator Payne said.

“We expect basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment to be met, in accordance with international norms.

“Our thoughts are with Ms Cheng and her family during this difficult period.”

Australian officials have been granted visits to Ms Cheng six times over the past six months, most recently in late January.

She has not yet been charged but her formal arrest marks a progression of her case, sparking concern for Australian officials and her family.

Ms Cheng’s 11-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son remain under the care of her mother in Melbourne.

Following six months of silence, Ms Cheng’s family spoke out for the first time once her arrest formalised.

Australian journalist Cheng Lei. Picture: AFP

While Chinese authorities have not released any more details about the case, punishments for serious offences can include life sentences.

Louisa Wen, Ms Cheng’s niece and spokeswoman for the family, told the ABC news of her detention shocked the family.

“We do know she’s been in detention for five-and-a-half months, and her conditions are worsening,” she told the ABC.

“I think at nine and 11, you’re old enough to understand a little bit about why Mum isn’t here, or why Mum isn’t able to contact you.

“But I feel like the children don’t fully understand the situation, so it’s probably quite tough on the kids wondering what’s going on.”

Tensions between China and Australia have escalated over the past 12 months following Canberra’s calls for an independent investigation into the coronavirus pandemic.

Two Australian foreign correspondents in China were rushed home amid a diplomatic standoff last September.

The Australian Financial Review’s Michael Smith and ABC’s Bill Birtles fled China after they were questioned by Chinese officials.

Originally published as ‘Serious concerns’ for Australian journalist Cheng Lei arrested in China