US Condemns Sentence of Journalist Dong Yuyu

The U.S. State Department has condemned the seven-year prison sentence given to journalist Dong Yuyu by a Chinese court on espionage charges, calling it unjust and indicative of China's failure to uphold international law and constitutional rights to freedom of speech. Dong, a veteran journalist and Harvard Nieman Fellow, was arrested in February 2022 while dining with a Japanese diplomat, and his trial was conducted behind closed doors in July 2023. The U.S. stands in solidarity with Dong and his family, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended the sentence, asserting it was in accordance with the law and emphasizing China's commitment to legal processes. Dong's family has characterized the sentence as punishment for past writings critical of the government and a warning to others against engaging with foreigners. This incident highlights the increasing suppression of dissent in China under Xi Jinping's administration.