Group 1 - The Japanese ambassador to China expressed regret over the guilty verdict of a Japanese employee from Astellas Pharma, who was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months for espionage [1][3] - Since 2014, at least 17 Japanese individuals have been detained in China, with 5 still not released, and 4 currently serving sentences [1][4] - Concerns are growing among Japanese expatriates regarding the lack of transparency in the Chinese judicial system, which may lead to increased caution among Japanese businesses operating in China [3][4] Group 2 - The detained individual had over 20 years of experience in China and previously served as a vice president of the Japan Chamber of Commerce in China [3] - The Chinese authorities detained the individual in March 2023, shortly before the end of his assignment, and the prosecution was initiated in August 2024 without disclosing specific charges [3][4] - Astellas Pharma declined to comment on the situation following the guilty verdict [5]