Chinese prosecutors have indicted a Japanese citizen on suspicion of espionage, according to China’s foreign ministry. The ministry stated that the rights of those involved in the case would be protected.
During a regular press conference, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the ministry, confirmed that the individual had been recently indicted in accordance with the law. When asked about the indictment of an employee from Astellas Pharma Inc., Mao provided this information.
Tensions between China and Japan have escalated in recent years due to various issues such as territorial claims and Tokyo’s decision to release treated water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. The arrests of Japanese citizens in China have further strained relations between both countries.
The detention of an Astellas employee in China last year has had a chilling effect on business activities, according to some Japanese officials. This has resulted in a decline in foreign investment and an exodus of Japanese expatriates.
On Wednesday, Astellas Pharma announced that one of its Japanese employees who had been detained since March 2023 on suspicion of spying had been indicted by Chinese authorities. However, they did not disclose the individual’s name.
Japan’s foreign ministry also confirmed that a man in his 50s who was detained in Beijing last year was indicted by Chinese authorities in mid-August. However, they did not reveal his identity either.
Mao emphasized that “China is a country with the rule of law” and deals with illegal activities according to legal procedures. She also assured that China would protect the legitimate rights and interests of those involved while facilitating consular duties for Japanese officials stationed there.
This article was reported by Colleen Howe and written by Ryan Woo. It was edited by Alison Williams and Bernadette Baum.
© Thomson Reuters 2024