Chinese-Australian writer and political commentator Yang Hengjun, who was detained by China in January, has been formally arrested on suspicion of spying, Beijing confirmed on Tuesday.
The 54-year-old Yang had been under investigation for "harming" China's national security and was arrested on August 23 on suspicion of committing crimes of espionage.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said the government efforts to gain additional information had been difficult.