“The Australian people very much wanted to see Cheng Lei reunited with her young kids,” Albanese said, adding that the reporter was “delighted” to be back home.
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‘I miss my children’: Australian journalist detained in China for 3 years writes ‘love letter’ home
‘I miss my children’: Australian journalist detained in China for 3 years writes ‘love letter’ home
She was charged with “supplying state secrets overseas” but no further details were given.
‘I miss my children’: Australian anchor held in China issues first statement
‘I miss my children’: Australian anchor held in China issues first statement
“I miss the sun,” read the message, described as a “love letter” to Australia.
“In my cell, the sunlight shines through the window but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year.”
Albanese said she had been released after the “completion of legal processes in China”.
“[The] government has been seeking this for a long period of time and her return will be warmly welcomed not just by her family and friends but by all Australians,” he said. “Her return brings an end to a very difficult few years for Cheng and her family.”
Cheng’s case had been a serious point of friction between Canberra and Beijing.
Albanese said that Cheng’s release would facilitate his visit to China at some point this year.
