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Japanese Businessman Sentenced to 3.5 Years in China for Espionage
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Astellas Pharma employee sentenced to three and a half years in prison, Japan’s embassy in Beijing says.
A Japanese businessman has been sentenced to three and a half years in China for espionage, Japan’s embassy in Beijing has announced.
The man, identified by Japan’s Kyodo News agency as a Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. employee in his 60s, was detained in March 2023 and formally arrested in October.
“Considering the sentence,we have once again strongly urged the Chinese side for the early release of the Japanese national concerned in this case and also others detained,” Tokyo’s embassy in Beijing stated Wednesday.
The embassy also called for China to “ensure their legitimate rights and humane treatment during detention” and “improve the clarity of the judicial process.”
Japanese Ambassador kenji Kanasugi described the verdict as “extremely regrettable” in comments to the media following the trial at Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court.
Tokyo has lodged protests against a series of detentions of its citizens in China.
Since China enacted its counterespionage law in 2014, a total of 17 Japanese nationals, including the Astellas Pharma employee, have been detained, according to Kyodo.
Of those,five remain in China.
Background on Japan-China Relations and Espionage Cases
Tensions between Japan and China have periodically surfaced, often related to territorial disputes and national security concerns. China’s counterespionage law, introduced in 2014, has been a point of contention, with japan arguing it lacks transparency and due process.
The detentions of Japanese citizens have led to diplomatic protests from Tokyo, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and adherence to international legal standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Espionage Case
- What is the sentence for the Japanese businessman accused of espionage in China?
- the Japanese businessman has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison.
- Which company was the detained Japanese national employed by?
- The businessman was an employee of Astellas Pharma Inc., a Tokyo-based company.
- When was the Japanese businessman first detained in China?
- He was first detained in March 2023 and formally arrested in October of the same year.
- What has Japan’s embassy in Beijing requested from China regarding detained nationals?
- Japan’s embassy has urged China for the early release of detained Japanese nationals and called for their legitimate rights and humane treatment.
- How many Japanese nationals have been detained in China since 2014?
- A total of 17 japanese nationals have been detained since China introduced its counterespionage law in 2014.
- Are there still japanese nationals detained in China?
- Yes, five Japanese nationals, including the Astellas Pharma employee, are still detained in China.
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