The family of journalist Dong Yuyu issued a powerful statement following his sentencing to seven years in prison on charges of espionage, describing the verdict as an affront not only to Dong and his loved ones but also to the broader principles of press freedom, open engagement, and justice. Dong, a highly regarded journalist known for fostering understanding between China and foreign communities, has been accused without substantive evidence. The Beijing court’s decision to label Japanese diplomats as agents of an “espionage organization” has stunned observers, with the family questioning the rationale and implications of this accusation for ordinary citizens engaging with foreign entities.
The statement highlighted Dong’s decades-long career, characterized by transparency and dedication to bridging cultural and political divides. His professional and academic endeavors, including fellowships in Japan and the United States, have been scrutinized and weaponized by the Chinese authorities to build a case against him. The family underscored the absurdity of equating legitimate academic and professional exchanges with espionage, warning of a chilling effect on international collaboration and people-to-people diplomacy. They further criticized the broader implications for Chinese scholars and professionals who have participated in similar programs abroad, suggesting that such exchanges might now be viewed as security risks under China’s increasingly opaque judicial framework.
The family painted a stark picture of how this verdict undermines Sino-Japanese relations and deters meaningful foreign engagement with China. By criminalizing interactions with foreign diplomats and institutions, the ruling sends a chilling message to Chinese citizens and the global community alike. The statement expressed particular concern for the erosion of “people-to-people diplomacy,” a principle long espoused by China as a cornerstone of its international engagement strategy.
Despite the injustice, Dong Yuyu’s resilience and determination remain intact. Through his lawyers, he has conveyed that he continues to maintain his physical and mental health and is deeply moved by the global outpouring of support. However, the family emphasized the deep personal and professional toll this ordeal has taken, particularly within China, where state propaganda has recast Dong as a traitor rather than a patriotic advocate for societal progress.
The family concluded by reiterating their commitment to supporting Dong’s appeal and fighting against the unjust conviction. They expressed gratitude to his legal team, supporters, and the international community for standing by Dong during this protracted and painful chapter. Their call to action resonates as a broader plea for defending press freedom, justice, and the integrity of international collaboration against the tide of authoritarian suppression.
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