Yang was handed a suspended death sentence last year after spending about five years detained on espionage charges in Beijing.

He has denied the allegation and the Australian government has repeatedly called for his release over the years.

In his correspondence to Albanese, Yang expressed that “tears blur my vision” and his gratitude could “only use a silent voice to thank you” for the ongoing support and advocacy.

“I have written millions of words over my career but I can’t find the words to properly express my heartfelt gratitude and feeling,” he wrote.

Yang wrote that he was thankful he had not been forgotten in what has been the “hardest and darkest chapter” of his life.

“I feel all of your support beside me as I stagger through the hardest and darkest chapter of my life, allowing me to immerse in the warmth of humanity,” he conveyed.

“All of this renders with greater clarity than before that Australia is defined not only by its blue sky, beautiful beaches, vast lands and boundless oceans.

“It is also defined by strong faith, common values, and a far-reaching vision based on facts and virtue.”

Albanese acknowledged the letter, adding that he was continuing to lobby for Yang’s release.

“It was a message of profound courage and resilience and hope despite his difficult circumstances, and we continue to advocate for Dr Yang’s interests and wellbeing at every opportunity, and I have certainly asked our ambassador to convey that very directly to Dr Yang,” he told reporters.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she and the prime minister were “deeply moved” by Yang’s words.

“Dr Yang writes of his great love for his country – and we want to see him home in Australia, reunited with his family,” she said.

“We continue to advocate for Dr Yang’s interests and wellbeing at every opportunity and at the highest levels, including access to appropriate medical care.

“Our thoughts remain with Dr Yang and his loved ones.”

Yang was born in China and worked as a government official before migrating to Australia in 1998 and becoming a citizen.

He was a pro-democracy activist and novelist before he was jailed in 2019.

Yang was tried behind closed doors before receiving his death sentence last year.

His sentence may be reduced to life imprisonment after two years pending good behaviour.

There are grave concerns over Yang’s health after he revealed he was suffering from a large cyst on his kidney.

He claimed he was not receiving adequate treatment and feared he would die in detention. 

Despite soothing relations between Australia and China, which saw the release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei and the lifting of trade sanctions, there has not been much movement in Yang’s case.