Overview

• On July 16, a Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court sentenced a Japanese Astellas Pharma executive, described by Kyodo News as in his 60s, to three and a half years in prison after detaining him in March 2023 and charging him in October.
• Japan’s ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, called the ruling extremely regrettable and has formally urged Beijing to release the executive at the earliest opportunity.
• Chinese authorities defended the decision as essential for state security, prompting Tokyo to warn that such detentions undermine people-to-people exchanges.
• Since the counter-espionage law took effect in 2014, at least 17 Japanese nationals have faced spying allegations in China and five remain in custody.
• The conviction has heightened concerns among multinational firms—including WPP Plc and Hon Hai Precision Industry—leading some companies to restrict staff travel and reassess operations in China.