Key Facts
• July 2025: Beijing court sentenced a Japanese man to 3 years, 6 months for espionage.
• Trial was non-public; Japanese Ambassador Kenji Kanasugi attended the sentencing.
• Court provided limited, unclear details on alleged espionage activities.
• China’s 2014 Anti-Espionage Law has led to the detention of 17 Japanese nationals.
• Five Japanese, including the sentenced man, remain detained without release.
• Japan has repeatedly urged China for the early release of detained citizens.
• 2023 amendment to China’s Anti-Espionage Law expanded the definition of espionage.
• Concerns grow over arbitrary enforcement of laws by Chinese authorities.
• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed interest in improving Japan-China relations.
• June 2025: China lifted bans on Japanese seafood and progressed on beef import agreements.
• Japanese businesspeople and researchers fear detention, reducing visits to China.
• Lack of safety assurance hinders stable Japan-China relations.
Summary
A Beijing court sentenced a Japanese employee of Astellas Pharma to 3 years and 6 months in prison for espionage, raising concerns over China’s opaque judicial system. The trial was non-public, and limited details were provided about the alleged activities. Japan has called for the release of five detained Japanese nationals, including the sentenced man, but China has not complied. The 2023 amendment to China’s Anti-Espionage Law has expanded the scope of espionage, increasing fears of arbitrary enforcement. While China has shown interest in improving relations with Japan, including lifting bans on Japanese seafood and advancing beef import agreements, concerns over safety have deterred Japanese professionals from visiting or residing in China. This lack of safety assurance poses challenges to fostering stable bilateral relations.
