Astellas Employee Indicted by China’s Prosecutors on Espionage Charges

Indictment:
A Japanese employee of Astellas Pharma, detained since March 2023, has been formally indicted by Chinese authorities on suspicion of espionage.

Detention Details:
The individual, a man in his 50s, was taken into custody in Beijing and officially arrested in October, further complicating Japan-China relations.

Diplomatic Tensions:
The indictment has heightened safety concerns among Japanese businesses in China, contributing to a drop in foreign investment and an exodus of Japanese expatriates.

China's Response:
China's Foreign Ministry confirmed the indictment, stating that the country investigates and deals with illegal activities in accordance with the law while safeguarding the rights of those involved.

Japan's Reaction:
Japan's Foreign Ministry has vowed to advocate for the swift release of the Japanese citizen, emphasizing the need for clarity and openness about Beijing's counterespionage measures.