China Jails Japanese Executive, Tokyo Protests Verdict

A Chinese court sentenced a Japanese businessman in his 60s, employed by Astellas Pharma Inc., to three and a half years in prison on espionage charges after his detention in March 2023. The trial was held behind closed doors, and details of the alleged espionage have not been made public, raising concerns over judicial transparency. The Japanese government has condemned the verdict as 'extremely regrettable' and is calling for his early release, as well as the humane treatment and transparency for all detained Japanese nationals. Since China's 2014 counterespionage law, 17 Japanese citizens have been detained, with five still in custody. Chinese officials assert that all cases are handled according to law and that foreigners face no risk if they comply with Chinese regulations. The case has further strained diplomatic and business ties between Japan and China.