China-detained writer Yang Hengjun sends a message of hope

Detained Australian writer Yang Hengjun has written a Christmas message to loved ones, saying he sees them in his dreams and ­regrets not spending enough time with them.

Chinese-Australian author Yang Hengjun.

Detained Australian writer Yang Hengjun has written a Christmas message to loved ones, saying he sees them in his dreams and ­regrets not spending enough time with them when he was free.

Dr Yang said in the message that after more than 300 interrogations by Chinese officials, marred by torture and verbal abuse, he is feeling introspective, but strong.

“I think a lot about my life, ­especially the past 20 years,” the Chinese-born pro-democracy blogger said. “I feel sorrow that when I was free, I didn’t spend enough time with you.

“I met you in a dream several times. It seemed so real. I regretted having had to wake up. I wanted to pull you out of the dream and hug you tightly.

“I can feel you miss me too. Don’t let your anxiety about me affect your normal life.”

The message to his wife and two sons, friends and colleagues, follows a visit by Australian ­embassy officials to see Dr Yang last Thursday.

But his supporters in Australia declined to say whether the message was conveyed by Australian diplomats or Dr Yang’s Chinese legal team, fearing he could be ­denied further access to either.

After nearly two years in detention, Dr Yang’s trial has been postponed for another three months. He continues to maintain his innocence and told family and friends that he still had faith in the Chinese justice system.

“I still have some confidence in the court. I think they will give me justice,” he said in the message. “Whether or not they judge me guilty will say a lot about whether the court is governed by rule of law or by pure absolute power.”

DFAT declined to comment on Dr Yang’s latest consular visit, citing privacy obligations.

China formally charged Dr Yang with espionage in March, after his detention in January last year at Guangzhou airport.

Dr Yang, who completed his PhD at the University of Technology Sydney, faces the death penalty if found guilty.

His friend and former PhD supervisor Professor Feng Chongyi said Dr Yang remained a Chinese patriot, despite his detention on false charges.

“All he has done, including promoting human rights and democracy, is done for the Chinese people,” he said.

Professor Feng said his friend was trying to convey a message to the Chinese leadership that he had been set up by lower-ranking officials.

But the worsening bilateral ties between Australia and China made Dr Yang’s situation more difficult, he said.