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A Chinese court has sentenced a Japanese businessman after being convicted on espionage charges.

Getting into it: According to Kyodo News, the man, whose name has not been disclosed, is a Japanese national in his 60s and an employee of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. On July 10, 2025, the Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court sentenced him to three years and six months in prison for espionage. He had been detained since March 2023, was formally arrested that October, and indicted in August on charges that remain undisclosed. The court proceedings lasted just 15 minutes, were closed to the public, and no evidence or details of the alleged spying activities were made available.

Japanese officials have strongly condemned the verdict and the lack of transparency. Japan’s ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, who attended the sentencing, described the ruling as “extremely regrettable” and criticized the court process, saying it was “far from being transparent.” He added that such actions are “one of the biggest obstacles to improving people-to-people exchanges and public sentiment between Japan and China.”

Japan’s Foreign Ministry echoed those concerns, urging China to “ensure their legitimate rights and humane treatment during detention, and to improve the transparency of the judicial process.”

China has defended the legal process and rejected Japan’s criticism of the trial. In a statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the case was handled “in strict accordance with the law” and noted that China offers a “sound environment for Japanese companies and workers.” Lin added, “As long as foreign nationals in China abide by the law and engage in lawful employment, there is nothing to worry about.”