Why China gave him the death sentence

The 58-year-old writer, who is also a businessman, became well known in Australia because his case was an unresolved sticking point in major efforts to normalise soured Sino-Australian relations. But details about his background are patchy and not well known. Another detained Australian, journalist Cheng Lei, tells a relatable story of growing up in Brisbane and being separated from her two young children for years. But Yang's family only communicate with the public via his close supporters. Lei's detention, and eventual release last year, also appear to be directly linked to diplomatic tensions between Australia and China. But Yang's circumstances…