中国ちゅうごくちゅうごく ”スパイ行為こうい”で拘束こうそく 製薬せいやく会社かいしゃ日本人にっぽんじん男性だんせい 懲役ちょうえき3年ねん6か月かげつ

A Chinese court sentenced a Japanese man working for a major pharmaceutical company, who has been detained in China for over two years, to three years and six months in prison on the 16th for engaging in espionage.

The Japanese government has expressed its deep regret and will continue to urge the Chinese side for the early release of the man.

The person who was sentenced is a Japanese male employee in his 60s at the major pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma.

This man had been stationed in China for many years, and just before returning to Japan due to a personnel transfer in March two years ago, he was detained in Beijing by national security authorities on suspicion of involvement in espionage, and was later indicted.

The mans trial was held at a court in Beijing for 15 minutes, starting at around 10:30 a.m. Japan time on the 16th.

Ambassador Kenji Kanasugi, who is stationed in China and attended the hearing, revealed at a press conference that the court had sentenced the man to three years and six months in prison for engaging in espionage activities.

Regarding the guilty verdict, Ambassador Kanesugi stated, It is extremely regrettable, and added, The government will continue to strongly demand the early release of the Japanese nationals who are currently detained, at various levels.

He also explained the mans demeanor in court by saying, Although I couldnt read his expression, my impression was that he listened to the verdict calmly. Regarding the intention to appeal, he stated, I will refrain from answering with any assumptions.

Ambassador Kanesugi is scheduled to have a consular meeting with the man on the afternoon of the 16th.

On the other hand, Ambassador Kanasugi pointed out that the trial process was not at a level that could be called transparent.

On top of that, the most important thing for further improving Japan-China relations is improving public sentiment.

We will persistently explain to the Chinese side that the detention of Japanese nationals and the opaque handling of judicial processes are among the biggest obstacles.

China enacted an anti-espionage law in 2014 and has been tightening surveillance of foreigners. So far, 17 Japanese nationals have been detained, and five of them, including the man who was sentenced on the 16th, are still unable to return to Japan.

Astellas Pharma: We are responding appropriately in cooperation with relevant parties. Astellas Pharma has stated regarding the sentencing of a Japanese male employee in his 60s to three years and six months in prison by a Chinese court, We are aware of the verdict and are providing support to ensure the employees health and safety.

We will collect information, including the details of the ruling, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will respond appropriately in cooperation with the relevant parties, they commented.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Extremely Regrettable At a press conference, Shunhiro Kitamura, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the situation is extremely regrettable. He revealed that Japan has requested the Chinese side to ensure the early release of the detained Japanese national, guarantee their legitimate rights during detention, and improve transparency in the judicial process.

On top of that, The detention of Japanese nationals in China has become one of the biggest factors hindering the improvement of people-to-people exchanges and public sentiment between Japan and China.

We will continue to provide as much support as possible to the Japanese national in question from the perspective of protecting Japanese citizens, he said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry: Strictly handling the case in accordance with the law At a press conference on the 16th regarding the recent verdict, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, China is a country governed by the rule of law, and judicial authorities strictly handle cases in accordance with the law, ensuring the legitimate rights of the parties involved.

Regarding Japans point that Chinas opaque judicial process is affecting bilateral relations, The Chinese side has consistently supported economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and has provided a favorable environment for Japanese companies in China.

He said, Foreigners in China have nothing to worry about as long as they obey the law and conduct their business in accordance with the law.