'Appalled': Federal government slams treatment of Australian writer jailed by China

The federal government says it has "serious concerns" about the health of Australian Chinese writer Yang Jun who was imprisoned by China.

The pro-democracy activist was given a suspended death sentence one year ago by a court in Beijing and has been in jail for six years on espionage charges.

His family and supporters say Yang had a large cyst on his kidney, and are concerned without adequate medical care he would die in prison.

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Foreign Minister Penny Wong said today that the government is "appalled" by the suspended death sentence handed to Yang.

"We hold serious concerns about Dr Yang's health and conditions. We continue to press to ensure his needs are met and he receives appropriate medical care," she said.

"Dr Yang is entitled to basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment, in accordance with international norms and China's legal obligations."

Yang was detained in January 2019 on espionage charges after arriving in Guangzhou from New York with his stepdaughter and wife.

He has consistently denied the charges.

He was tried behind closed doors two years later, but a verdict was repeatedly delayed until last February.

Family and supporters of Yang said he didn't appeal the sentence because his ill health impeded his legal efforts, and entering the Chinese prison system offered him access to better medical care.

Concerns about his health have consistently been raised during his six years in detention.