Australian concern for writer held as spy in China

Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun has been formally arrested on espionage charges in China, Australian officials have confirmed.

The Australian citizen has been held in Beijing since January under "harsh conditions", said the foreign ministry.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia was "very concerned and disappointed" to learn of the arrest.

"We have serious concerns for Dr Yang's welfare, and about the conditions under which he is being been held," she said.

Mr Yang's supporters told the BBC the formal arrest, on 23 August, was an expected but concerning development in his case.

He had been held without charge for more than seven months, during which Canberra has repeatedly pressed Beijing to release him.