The federal government says it’s deeply concerned after a Chinese court sentenced an Australian man to death.

Pro-democracy advocate Yang Hengjun has been detained in Beijing since 2019, and has now received a suspended death sentence which may be switched to life in prison after two years of good behaviour.

Australian National University Professor of International Law Donald Rothwell told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings it’s increasingly difficult for international laws to be applied to China’s punishment process.

“It’s absolutely impossible to verify the number of people executed in China each year,” Professor Rothwell said.

Press PLAY to hear more on the unprecedented decision by the Chinese Government