Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
In August 2020, Cheng Lei, a Chinese-Australian journalist, had her life turned upside down.
An anchor in Beijing for a business television program, Cheng Lei was arrested by officers of China’s Ministry of State Security on charges of espionage.
Detained, isolated and interrogated, she was cut off from her family and friends for more than three years, until her release in late 2023. Cheng Lei is now telling her story in her new book, A Memoir of Freedom.
Join the Lowy Institute for the Sydney launch of her book story. Ms Cheng will be interviewed on stage by the Lowy Institute’s Richard McGregor, and a Q&A with the audience. A book signing will follow the discussion.
In August 2020, Cheng Lei, a Chinese-Australian journalist, had her life turned upside down.
An anchor in Beijing for a business television program, Cheng Lei was arrested by officers of China’s Ministry of State Security on charges of espionage.
Detained, isolated and interrogated, she was cut off from her family and friends for more than three years, until her release in late 2023. Cheng Lei is now telling her story in her new book, A Memoir of Freedom.
Join the Lowy Institute for the Sydney launch of her book story. Ms Cheng will be interviewed on stage by the Lowy Institute’s Richard McGregor, and a Q&A with the audience. A book signing will follow the discussion.
