Core Viewpoint - Since the implementation of China's Anti-Spy Law in November 2014, at least 17 Japanese individuals have been detained in China, with 12 receiving prison sentences ranging from 3 to 15 years, indicating a significant concern from Japan regarding the treatment of its nationals in China [1][2][3]. Group 1: Detention and Sentencing - Among the 17 detained Japanese individuals, 12 have been sentenced to an average prison term of approximately 8 years, with 70% ultimately serving time [1][3]. - The longest sentence was given to a male detained in March 2017 for illegally obtaining state secrets, resulting in a 15-year prison term and a fine of 100,000 RMB [1]. - The shortest sentence was 3 years for an Itochu Corporation employee detained in February 2018, who was released in February 2021 [1]. Group 2: Allegations of Espionage - It is reported that 9 out of the 12 sentenced individuals provided information to Japan's Public Security Investigation Agency, which China views as espionage activities [2][3]. - A male detained in December 2021 in Shanghai was sentenced to 12 years, with the court citing the Public Security Investigation Agency as the recipient of the information [2]. Group 3: Legal Proceedings and Judicial Transactions - The employee from Astellas Pharma received a sentence of 3 years and 6 months, possibly due to a judicial transaction where he admitted to espionage suspicions [3]. - Only 5 out of the 17 detained Japanese individuals avoided imprisonment, having been released before prosecution [3]. Group 4: Japanese Government Response - The Japanese Foreign Ministry has expressed strong concern over the detentions and has issued warnings to its citizens about potential risks of being perceived as engaging in espionage activities in China [3][4]. - The ministry's warnings include avoiding military management areas and being cautious with activities such as geological surveys that may attract scrutiny from Chinese authorities [4]. Group 5: Corporate Measures - In light of the risks, Japanese companies are implementing self-protection measures for their employees, including avoiding solo business trips to China and ensuring that confidential information is not stored on devices brought into the country [4].

Group 1 - A Japanese employee of Astellas Pharma was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison for espionage by a Beijing court on July 16, 2023, and did not appeal by the deadline of July 28 [1][2] - The employee provided political and economic information about China to Japan's Public Security Investigation Agency in exchange for payment [1][2] - This case marks the first instance of a Japanese individual accepting a plea deal under China's revised Criminal Procedure Law, which was implemented in October 2018 [2] Group 2 - The employee had worked in China for over 20 years and held a senior position in Astellas Pharma's local entity, previously serving as vice president of the China Japan Chamber of Commerce [2] - Since the implementation of the Anti-Espionage Law in November 2014, at least 17 Japanese individuals have been detained by the Chinese government, with five still not released [3] - The Chinese government has intensified its crackdown on espionage, with a revised Anti-Espionage Law enacted in July 2023 that broadens the definition of espionage [3]

Core Viewpoint - The case of the Astellas Pharma employee being sentenced for espionage highlights the complexities of Sino-Japanese relations and the implications of China's legal system on foreign nationals [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - The Beijing Second Intermediate People's Court sentenced the Astellas employee to 3 years and 6 months in prison for espionage, recognizing his actions of receiving compensation for providing information to a Japanese agency as espionage activities [1][2]. - The Chinese authorities encouraged the employee to confess, indicating that a guilty plea could lead to a lighter sentence, which reflects a judicial transaction in this rare case involving a Japanese national [2]. - The legal basis for the plea deal stems from the revised Criminal Procedure Law implemented in October 2018, which allows for reduced sentences in exchange for confessions [2]. Group 2: Background Information - The detained individual, over 60 years old, had served as a senior executive for Astellas in China for more than 20 years and was previously the vice president of the China Japan Chamber of Commerce [3]. - The employee was detained in March 2023 as he was preparing to return to Japan, indicating a strategic timing by Chinese authorities [3]. - The case is part of ongoing tensions between China and Japan, with the Chinese leadership closely monitoring relations with neighboring countries amid broader geopolitical dynamics [2].