Chinese espionage trial due to begin

A Chinese-American professor accused of espionage is due to go on trial on Saturday in Beijing.

He is Li Shaomin, a United States citizen, who has been held since February on charges of spying for Taiwan.

The Chinese authorities say his trial will be closed to the public, but an American diplomat will be allowed to attend as an observer.

Mr Li is one of five Chinese-born academics under detention who are either United States citizens or residents.

Correspondents say the fate of the five scholars has become a significant source of friction between the China and the US.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service