Serious concerns are mounting over the health of imprisoned Chinese journalist Dong Yuyu after medical examinations reportedly revealed a rapidly growing tumor in his lung following his hospitalization in late April.
Dong, a former editor and columnist for the state-owned newspaper Guangming Daily, was taken to a prison-affiliated hospital in Tianjin on April 28 after experiencing heart palpitations and physical discomfort. According to his family, subsequent medical tests identified a tumor in the lower part of his left lung that may be malignant and requires additional examinations to determine its nature.
Family members said the 64-year-old journalist has experienced significant weight loss in recent months, while the tumor has reportedly expanded quickly. Additional medical tests are expected to take place in the coming days. Doctors also identified an irregular heartbeat and placed Dong under continuous cardiac monitoring.
Dong is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence on espionage charges following his arrest in February 2022. His detention began after he met with a Japanese diplomat in Beijing, a meeting authority later used as part of the case against him. In late 2025, a Beijing court upheld his conviction after delays in the appeals process.
In March 2026, Dong was transferred from a prison in Beijing to a detention facility in Tianjin. According to his family, prison conditions have worsened since the transfer. Dong is reportedly required to perform long hours of manual labor manufacturing garments while receiving inadequate nutrition. The relocation has also made family visits significantly more difficult.
Free Press Alliance strongly condemns the continued imprisonment of Dong Yuyu and the failure of Chinese authorities to ensure adequate medical care for detained journalists. Denying timely and appropriate treatment to imprisoned media workers is both inhumane and deeply concerning.
Authorities must immediately guarantee access to specialized medical care and uphold the basic rights and dignity of all detained journalists. The use of espionage charges against members of the press continues to raise serious concerns about the criminalization of independent journalism in China.