Veteran Chinese journalist Dong Yuyu has been handed a seven-year prison sentence for espionage, a verdict that has drawn criticism from international observers. Dong, a former deputy editor at the state-owned Guangming Daily and contributor to the New York Times' Chinese edition, was arrested in February 2022 while meeting with a Japanese diplomat. His family revealed that the court identified the Japanese officials present as members of an espionage organization. The case has raised concerns about the chilling effect on interactions between Chinese citizens and foreign diplomats.

Dong, known for his advocacy of constitutional democracy and political reform, views often at odds with the Chinese Communist Party's stance, maintained relationships with foreign diplomats, academics, and journalists throughout his career. He considered then-Japanese ambassador Hideo Tarumi a personal friend. His family stated that Dong, aware of constant surveillance by state security, chose transparency in his meetings with foreign contacts. They expressed dismay at the court's reasoning, suggesting that it implies any interaction with foreign embassies could be construed as collaboration with espionage entities.

The conviction has sparked international condemnation, with U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns denouncing the decision as an unjust punishment for exercising freedom of speech and press, rights guaranteed by the Chinese constitution. The case underscores the increasing tensions and challenges faced by journalists and individuals engaging with foreign entities in China.