#United States #Washington #National Press Club #Press Freedom #Dong Yuyu

National Press Club Urges Overturn of Espionage Conviction of Dong Yuyu

On March 26, 2025, Mike Balsamo, the President of the National Press Club, made a strong appeal to the Chinese government to overturn the conviction of journalist Dong Yuyu. Dong, a journalist with a long-standing career at Guangming Daily, received a sentence of seven years in prison on espionage charges in November of the previous year. This plea comes as Dong's appeal may be reviewed as early as next month in Beijing, a noteworthy circumstance within China's often opaque legal landscape where cases seldom witness public hearings.

Balsamo stated, "China still has one last chance to correct a grave injustice. Allowing this conviction to stand would convey a perilous message that open dialogue and international interactions are tantamount to criminal acts." Such an assertion underscores the pressing nature of this case, not just for Dong, but for foreign correspondents and diplomats operating within China.

Under Chinese legislation, an appeal hearing implies disputed facts and evidence, paving the way for a potential reduction in sentencing or even a complete exoneration. This legal framework adds weight to the urgency of Dong's situation, especially given recent correspondence from Japanese Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi. The ambassador refuted Chinese claims that the Japanese diplomats encountered by Dong were espionage operatives, arguing that these diplomats had no involvement in such activities under existing Japanese law.

Balsamo remarked on the lack of evidence presented by the Ministry of State Security during the trial, emphasizing, "No credible legal system operates in such a manner where evidence is neither presented nor scrutinized."

Despite the serious allegations leveled against Dong, the trial court accepted the espionage charge without adequate examination, leading to concerns about the integrity of legal proceedings in this high-profile case. Dong's legal team, comprised of prominent human rights attorneys, continues to advocate for his innocence, alleging that no substantial evidence supports the prosecution's claims.

The implications of Dong's conviction extend beyond his individual case and offer a preview of the potential ramifications for foreign journalists and scholars in China, where the boundary between legitimate reporting and alleged espionage is becoming increasingly blurred. Upholding Dong's conviction could set a hazardous precedent, dissuading those who advocate for diplomacy and transparency in governmental relations.

As the National Press Club outlines its position, it emphasizes the need for:
1. The Beijing High Court to annul Dong's conviction and refute unfounded accusations from the Ministry of State Security.
2. The Japanese government to clarify the incorrect designation of its diplomats involved in Dong's case publicly.
3. The U.S. government to maintain its commitment to support Dong and his family, highlighting the broader issue of journalistic freedom.

Dong has been imprisoned since February 2022, and as his appeal approaches, the urgency resonates with concerns about his health and the credibility of China on an international stage. The outcome of this appeal could prove critical not only for Dong himself but also for the principle of press freedom that many around the world hold dear.

For further background and family statements related to this case, please visit the National Press Club's official site.