Labor notes that Australian citizen Dr Yang Hengjun will face trial on 27 May 2021.

We remain deeply concerned that Chinese authorities have failed to provide any explanation or evidence for the charges facing Dr Yang.

We strongly support the Government’s advocacy for Dr Yang, including through consular assistance, and are disappointed that he has not received basic standards of justice or procedural fairness consistent with China’s international legal obligations.

China also has obligations under the Australia-China bilateral consular agreement.

This means Australian officials should be permitted access to Dr Yang’s hearing on 27 May.

Dr Yang should also be granted access to his lawyer and to Australian consular officials in advance of his trial.

Since Dr Yang’s detention in January 2019, Labor has consistently expressed concern over Dr Yang’s treatment and the lack of transparency and procedural fairness afforded to him.

Our thoughts are with Dr Yang and his family at this difficult time.

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.