Japanese Pharma Employee Accepts Espionage Sentence in China

According to informed sources, a Japanese employee of Astellas Pharma, in his 60s, intends to accept the three-year and six-month prison sentence handed down in China for espionage. The sentence was delivered on Wednesday.

China's legal system allows for appeals of initial court rulings. However, in this case, the sentence will become final if the employee does not appeal by the deadline, which is expected to be in late July.

The Beijing district court that issued the sentence found the employee guilty of espionage. The charges stemmed from the alleged provision of information concerning Chinese politics and the economy to an intelligence agency.

Japanese officials, including Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi, were present at the sentencing. Kanasugi expressed deep regret over the sentence but did not disclose specific details of the court's findings.

The employee was apprehended by Chinese authorities in March 2023, as he was preparing to depart China after completing his work assignment. He was formally indicted in August 2024.

The Chinese government, under President Xi Jinping, has prioritized national security. In 2014, an anti-espionage law was enacted to strengthen the identification of suspected spies. Since then, a total of 17 Japanese citizens have been detained on suspicion of espionage, with five still currently in custody. The Japanese government remains committed to seeking the prompt release of all detained Japanese nationals.