Editorial: China's murky sentencing of Japanese man on spy charge stifles business activity
The employee, an executive of the local subsidiary of a Japanese pharmaceutical company, had resided in China for a total of around 20 years, and had served as vice chairman of the Japanese Chamber Commerce and Industry in China, comprising Japanese companies. He was detained just before he was due to return to Japan in March 2023, and was charged in August last year.
The Chinese government merely stated, "There are suspicions he engaged in espionage activities," but did not provide any specific details. Its actions disregarded his human rights and this cannot be overlooked.
Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi, who attended the sentencing, stated, "The guilty verdict was extremely regrettable," and indicated continued support for the man's early release. The Japanese government must continue to persistently urge China to respond.
The leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping has prioritized "national security" policies. After its anti-espionage law, which prohibits the theft of state secrets, came into force in 2014, surveillance of foreigners increased, and since the following year, at least 17 Japanese nationals have been detained on espionage and other allegations.
In Shanghai in May this year, a Japanese man was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment, and at least five Japanese nationals remain unable to return to Japan.
China has been hit with a real estate downturn and deflationary pressures, and the impact of the high tariffs imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump remains uncertain. In an effort to lift its economy, China has started strengthening relations with its neighbors.
Since last autumn, China has shown a willingness to improve relations with Japan, and resumed visa waivers for Japanese nationals for short-term stays. However, many Japanese businesspeople and researchers are avoiding visiting China due to fears of detention.
When conducting business activities, it is necessary to gather information on legislation and administration. The current circumstances, where Beijing's definition of espionage is vague and where concerns remain about Chinese authorities applying the law arbitrarily, will make foreign companies think twice about investing in China.
Crackdowns on businesspeople from the United States, Britain and South Korea have also been reported. If the judiciary lacks transparency, it is impossible to advance business with peace of mind.
The Xi administration should recognize that strengthening social control could lead to "China distancing," resulting in a decline in its national power.
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