Cheng Lei photo:Web

The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed Monday the arrest on Friday of Australian national Cheng Lei on suspicion of illegally supplying Chinese state secrets overseas, adding that an investigation into the case is underway.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks during a routine press conference on Monday, while underscoring that Chinese judiciary authorities are handling the case in accordance with laws, and the rights of Cheng Lei are fully guaranteed.

“China is a country under rule of law, and all legal rights of the relevant personnel are fully guaranteed,” Wang said.

Wang said, “Australia should respect China’s judicial sovereignty and stop interfering in China's lawful handling of cases in any way.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Monday statement did not mention Cheng’s occupation.

However, according to Australian local media report earlier on Monday, Cheng is a presenter of a business show for China's state television network CGTN.

Global Times