Japanese Citizen Indicted in China Amid Spy Accusations

Chinese prosecutors have indicted a Japanese citizen on espionage charges. The Chinese foreign ministry assured the protection of the affected individual’s rights. This development has escalated tensions between China and Japan, impacting business relations and leading to a decline in foreign investment by Japanese companies.

Chinese authorities have officially indicted a Japanese citizen on espionage charges, according to an announcement by China's foreign ministry on Thursday. The ministry assured that the rights of those involved would be safeguarded.

The indictment, handled under Chinese law, concerns a Japanese employee of Astellas Pharma Inc., Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the ministry, confirmed at a regular press briefing. This comes against the backdrop of increasingly strained relations between China and Japan, primarily due to territorial disputes and Japan's decision to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.

The arrest of Japanese nationals in China has further intensified these diplomatic tensions. The detention of the Astellas employee last year, in particular, has had a chilling effect on business relations, contributing to decreasing foreign investment and a growing exodus of Japanese expatriates from China.

Astellas Pharma disclosed on Wednesday that one of its Japanese employees had been detained since March 2023 on suspicion of espionage and was recently indicted. However, the company did not reveal the individual's identity. Japan's foreign ministry confirmed that a man in his 50s, detained in Beijing last year, was indicted in mid-August, also without identifying the person.

Mao reaffirmed China's commitment to the rule of law, ensuring lawful investigations and respect for legal procedures. She also emphasized that China would protect the legitimate rights and interests of those involved and assist Japanese consular officials in their responsibilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)