The story of Yang Hengjun, a former employee of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), is far more complex than media portrayals suggest. His public résumé hides a gray role at the intersection of diplomacy, the united front, and the CCP’s internal control mechanisms.
Background: MFA Experience
Yang publicly acknowledged his work for China’s MFA—a crucial detail. The MFA’s role involves building international networks, collecting foreign intelligence, and advancing China’s foreign policy interests. Such experience positions Yang as a high-value individual within China’s political and intelligence ecosystem.
Connections to CCP Power Networks
Yang has known ties to:
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The CCP United Front Work Department
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The PLA's Academy of Military Medical Sciences
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The PLA General Political Department Song and Dance Troupe
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Networks associated with Peng Liyuan
The PLA institutions ultimately report to the Central Military Commission. Connections placed him at the periphery of China’s core soft power, united front, and cultural diplomacy apparatus.
Suspended Death Sentence: Legal Framework
Yang was sentenced to a suspended death sentence (death with reprieve). The legal framework for this is codified in Article 23 of China’s Criminal Procedure Law (2018 revision):
Article 23 (translation):
"Criminals sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, if they commit no intentional crimes during the reprieve period, shall be eligible for commutation. The executing authority shall submit a written opinion to the higher court for approval.
If an intentional crime is committed during the reprieve period, and the circumstances are serious, execution of the death sentence shall be carried out upon verification, and the higher court shall request approval from the Supreme People’s Court.
For intentional crimes not resulting in execution, the period of the suspended death sentence shall be recalculated and filed with the Supreme People’s Court."
This law provides flexibility that CCP leadership can exploit:
China’s 2018 revision of the Criminal Procedure Law increased flexibility, making such sentences a convenient tool for politically sensitive figures.
Media Omissions
Both domestic and foreign media rarely mention Yang’s links to military cultural institutions or Peng Liyuan’s network. Reports of his alleged sale of intelligence to Taiwan’s NSB and the role of Hainan security dominate narratives, omitting his MFA background and potential gray node role. Deleted reports about overseas offices or extended networks are themselves a signal of CCP concealment.
Letters and Political Messaging
Yang’s letters—such as those addressed to the Australian Prime Minister—reveal careful political positioning:
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Explicit reference to China’s “24-character socialist core values”
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Expressions of loyalty to China while acknowledging Australia
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Crafted to demonstrate political reliability
Even in prison, CCP uses such letters to promote China’s story, converting prisoners into controlled instruments of diplomacy and propaganda.
The letter from Yang Hengjun to Australian Prime Minister Albanese originated from prison correspondence and was transmitted via multiple channels before reaching his PhD supervisor, Professor Feng Chongyi.
Feng Chongyi served as Yang Hengjun’s doctoral advisor.
Feng, a Vice Professor at the University of Technology Sydney, is known for his admiration of Wen Jiabao.
He had indirect connections to Peng Liyuan and Academy of Military Medical Sciences, AMMS, of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army .
Additionally, Feng had direct links with at least two PLA personnel, one of whom holds the rank of PLA Army Senior Colonel.
Prison Education and Labor: Institutionalized Control
China’s prison system enforces a dual framework:
High-value prisoners like Yang (in Beijing's No.2 Prision) may also complete diplomatic or united front tasks while in prison, receiving extra compensation.
A Systematized Gray Node
Yang’s case demonstrates a sophisticated, institutionalized gray node operation system:
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Political control through suspended death and ideological training
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Narrative shaping through letters and media manipulation
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Diplomatic engagement via controlled communication with foreign governments
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Economic leverage through prison labor and compensation mechanisms
In effect, he is both a captive and a tool, serving CCP interests while his story is carefully curated for public perception.
Takeaways
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High-value prisoners can be integrated into CCP gray networks, performing diplomatic and united front tasks under supervision.
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Prison labor, compensation, and education are used as multi-purpose control tools, blurring the line between punishment and political utility.
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Media omissions and narrative framing form a critical part of CCP strategy, leaving international observers largely unaware of underlying risks.
Yang Hengjun’s story is a case study in how the CCP institutionalizes gray operations, leveraging individuals as nodes in a broader network of influence, diplomacy, and controlled messaging.
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