Chinese Prosecutors Indict Japanese Citizen on Espionage Charges

Chinese authorities have indicted a Japanese employee of Astellas Pharma Inc. on charges of espionage. The individual, detained since March 2023, faces legal action as China continues its crackdown on illegal activities. The Chinese foreign ministry emphasized lawful handling of the case without revealing the indicted person's identity.

Chinese prosecutors have formally indicted a Japanese citizen on charges of espionage, according to a statement from China's foreign ministry on Thursday.

Speaking at a regular press conference, Chinese ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the government is lawfully investigating and dealing with illegal and criminal activities.

The Japanese pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma Inc. revealed that one of its Japanese employees, who has been held since March 2023, has been indicted by Chinese authorities for suspected spying.

(With inputs from agencies.)