China holds espionage trial of Chinese-Australian journalist

Graham Fletcher, Australia’s ambassador to China, left, was denied permission to attend the trial of Chinese-Australian business reporter Cheng Lei (Ng Han Guan/AP)

Chinese-Australian journalist Cheng Lei has gone on trial in Beijing on espionage charges, with diplomats denied permission to attend the proceedings.

Australian Ambassador Graham Fletcher told reporters outside the Beijing Second Intermediate People’s Court that he was told he could not be present on the grounds that the trial involved state secrets.