In China Jail, Australian Journalist's Letter Reveals Prison Plight

In a candid public letter, imprisoned Australian journalist Cheng Lei has opened up about her longing for her homeland, her children, and the beauty of Australia's "psychedelic sunsets".

Three years after her detention in China, Cheng's message sheds new light on the harsh conditions she endures behind bars, bringing renewed focus to the ongoing tension between Canberra and Beijing.

Letter highlights prison conditions 

"I miss the sun," Cheng's message reads a sentiment that encapsulates her yearning for the outdoors. "In my cell, the sunlight shines through the window but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year," she reveals, painting a vivid picture of her extremely limited connection to the outside world.

Cheng, a former anchor for the Chinese state broadcaster CGTN, was arrested in 2020 under the accusation of "supplying state secrets overseas", although the specifics of the alleged offence remain undisclosed. 

Her partner, Nick Coyle, shared her message with Australian news outlets and through social media, emphasising the profound impact her captivity has had on their lives.

Cheng's arrest occurred during a period of escalating tensions between China and Australia, prompting speculation about potential political motives behind her detention. 

Comparisons have been drawn between her case and that of Yang Jun, a Chinese-born Australian writer who has been held in China since 2019 on vaguely defined espionage charges.

While diplomatic relations between Canberra and Beijing have experienced a thaw in recent months, symbolised by China's removal of significant trade tariffs, Cheng's incarceration continues to be a source of strain between the two nations. 

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong conveyed the country's collective desire to see Cheng "reunited with her children", affirming Australia's commitment to advocating for her fair treatment and well-being in accordance with international standards.

“I Miss My Children”

Cheng's letter conveys her deep longing for the Australian landscapes she cherishes. 

She expresses a yearning for the sight of trees after three years of absence and a desire to once again explore the country's bush walks and beaches. 

Her message provides a window into the emotional hardships she faces, describing how her bedding is aired only once a year, highlighting the grim conditions she endures.

"It is the Chinese in me that has probably gone beyond the legal limits of sentimentality," Cheng writes, as she reflects on her Chinese-Australian identity. "Most of all, I miss my children," she concludes, a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who understands the unbreakable bond between a parent and their offspring.

Cheng's prolonged detention began in August 2020, and formal charges were brought against her in February 2021. Her trial took place behind closed doors in March of the following year, with even Australia's ambassador to China denied access to the proceedings. 

The court has deferred its verdict and Cheng's potential sentence, which could extend to a lifetime of imprisonment. Coyle, Cheng's partner, has voiced serious concerns about her health while in custody, and he emphasises the urgency of time in their situation. 

"She has missed her daughter going to high school. Her parents aren't getting any younger and Lei is their only child. So time is getting more and more precious," he expressed.

Cheng's case remains a topic of diplomatic discussions. Foreign Minister Wong raised the matter during a meeting with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit in Jakarta last month. 

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