Mark McGowan says he raised concerns over detained Australians Cheng Lei and Doctor Yang Jun during his controversial trip to China.

The Premier initially said he would not raise the issue during his trip – arguing it wasn’t his place to address national foreign security concerns – yet said he brought it up during his last day in the country.

Cheng Lei’s partner Nick Coyle told Gary Adshead it was perfectly acceptable to bring up the issue in the capacity of a State Premier; in fact it would be expected.

“If a Premier or the Federal Government want to see all fair-minded Australians really supporting the relationship, these are the sorts of issues that need to be resolved,” he said.

Press PLAY to hear more about the detention of Australian citizens in China

Image: Getty/Vaughn Ridley/Kevin Frayer