Overview

• On July 16, 2025, Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court handed down a three-year, six-month prison term to a 60-something Japanese Astellas Pharma executive on espionage charges.
• Chinese authorities have not disclosed the precise allegations, applying the broadly defined 2023 anti-espionage law to data, documents and materials linked to national security.
• Japanese Ambassador Kenji Kanesugi attended the closed hearing and described the verdict as “extremely regrettable,” reflecting Tokyo’s formal protest.
• Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Ken Kobayashi demanded Beijing clarify legal grounds and increase transparency to reassure foreign businesses.
• The ruling has heightened uncertainty for Japanese firms in China and risks dampening trade, investment and personnel exchanges.