The National Press Club has called on Chinese authorities to overturn the espionage conviction of journalist Dong Yuyu, whose appeal is set to be heard soon. Dong was sentenced to three years in prison for routine meetings with diplomats, raising concerns for press freedom and international dialogue. The call underscores the need for transparent legal proceedings and the implications for foreign engagement in China.

On March 24, 2025, National Press Club President Mike Balsamo urged Chinese authorities to reconsider the espionage conviction of journalist Dong Yuyu, whose appeal may be heard in April. Dong, an experienced writer for Guangming Daily, received a three-year prison sentence for allegedly meeting foreign diplomats, a common professional practice. This situation raises concerns, as appeals in China typically do not involve public hearings.

Balsamo expressed the gravity of this issue, stating, “China still has one last chance to correct a grave injustice.” Allowing Dong’s conviction to stand could signify that engaging in honest dialogue is now a punishable offense in China. According to Chinese law, an appeal hearing indicates disputed facts, presenting the possibility of a reduced sentence or complete acquittal.

Japanese Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, publicly countered China’s claims regarding the involvement of Japanese diplomats as intelligence agents. He asserted that the diplomats mentioned in Dong’s case were not associated with espionage, reinforcing that the Japanese ministries cited in the conviction do not engage in intelligence activities.

Balsamo criticized the trial’s lack of evidential scrutiny, pointing out that the Ministry of State Security provided no substantial proof against Dong. He highlighted that retaining this conviction might jeopardize the safety of foreign journalists and diplomats in China, as it criminalizes standard diplomatic engagement. Balsamo emphasized, “If this verdict is allowed to stand, it will set a dangerous precedent… for anyone who believes in diplomacy.”

The National Press Club formally urges the Beijing High Court to dismiss Dong’s conviction, requests the Japanese government to clarify inaccurate claims about its diplomats, and calls upon the U.S. government to continue advocating for Dong and his family. Detained since February 2022, Dong’s upcoming appeal represents a critical juncture for his health and the integrity of international dialogue.

The National Press Club’s appeal to the Chinese authorities emphasizes the urgent need to reassess Dong Yuyu’s conviction on espionage charges. This situation not only implicates Dong’s fate but also carries profound implications for the future of diplomacy and journalistic freedom in China. The call for international support underlines the significance of upholding open dialogue and the rule of law in the global arena.

Original Source: www.prnewswire.com

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