Australia's ambassador to China was on Thursday barred from the trial of an academic held on spying charges, in a case that has exacerbated a bitter row between the two nations.

The trial of Australian Yang Jun, detained for more than two years on accusations of espionage, was set to be held behind closed doors in Beijing with a heavy security presence outside the courthouse on Thursday morning.

Chinese-born Yang, 56, who also goes by the pen name of Yang Hengjun, is one of two high-profile Australians detained in China on charges of spying.

Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne on Thursday voiced deep concerns about China's handling of the case, as a letter from Yang was released maintaining his innocence and referencing torture while being detained.

"We have not seen any explanation or evidence for the charges that have been brought against him," Payne told ABC radio, adding she had hoped the trial would be "transparent" with consular officials granted access.

But Australian ambassador Graham Fletcher was turned away from the courtroom when he arrived on Thursday.

"This is deeply regrettable, concerning and unsatisfying," Fletcher told media outside the courtroom afterwards.

"We've long had concerns about this case, including a lack of transparency, and therefore conclude it to be an instance of arbitrary detention."

Fletcher left the courthouse shortly afterwards. It was not immediately clear if Yang's lawyer was with him, nor if the trial had started.

A convoy of police cars and vans was later seen arriving at the court, but it was not clear whether Yang was inside. Authorities gave media no information about the case.

- 'Suffering and torture' -

Yang was detained on a rare return to China in January 2019.

Beijing has outlined almost no details of the case against him since he was taken into custody.

In October the foreign ministry confirmed that charges of "espionage" had been filed against Yang and the case has been accepted by the court, without giving more information.

In a letter to supporters shared with AFP and other media, Yang said that his health had deteriorated after 26 months "without fresh air or sunshine".

But he also said that he remained "spiritually strong" and vowed to "face suffering and torture with resilience".

"I have no fear now," he said in the message, believed to have been dictated through a consular visitor or lawyer.

"I love you all and I know that I am loved."

Yang said in the message to his supporters that "if the worst comes to the worst, if someone wants to take revenge on me for my writings, please explain to the people inside China what I did, and the significance of my writing to people in China".

China's judicial system convicts most people who stand trial, and espionage charges can carry a sentence of life in prison.

Beijing has insisted Yang's rights are being respected and accused Australia of interfering in a Chinese legal case.

- Anger -

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with China furious over Australia banning Chinese telecoms giant Huawei from building the nation's 5G network. Australia cited national security concerns for its decision.

China has also been angered over Australia's push for an independent probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as criticism from Canberra over democracy and human rights issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

China has in return imposed tariffs on Australian export worth billions of dollars, as well as cut off diplomatic channels between the two nations.

Both nations have accused each other of harassing citizens as a way of leverage in their disputes.

Another Australian, TV anchor Cheng Lei has been held since August last year on accusations of "supplying state secrets overseas".

And two Australian journalists were rushed out of China shortly after, fearing being detained on spying charges.

Beijing has accused Canberra of raiding the homes of Chinese state media journalists as Australia investigates an alleged campaign of covert influence.

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