China keeps diplomats out of espionage trial of Australian blogger Yang Hengjun

Beijing (TIP): Australia’s ambassador to China was denied entry to a heavily guarded Beijing court on Thursday that is hearing an espionage case against Australian blogger Yang Hengjun, at a time of worsening ties between the two nations. Graham Fletcher, Australia’s ambassador to China, attempted to enter the Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court in line with a two-way consular pact. “Unfortunately we have just been denied entry to the court. The reason given was because of the pandemic situation but the foreign ministry has also told us it is because it is a national security case therefore we are not permitted to attend it,” Fletcher told reporters outside the court. Reuters