Why Has China Detained 17 Japanese Nationals for 8 Years?

Five Japanese Detained in China
Japanese Held on Spy Charges in China
Detention Incident Essentially Part of US-China Conflict

Mr. Suzuki Hideji, a civilian who attended a China-Japan friendship event in 2016 as the representative of a youth exchange organization, was suddenly seized and taken away by five men at Beijing Airport just before his return to Japan. He worked as a Japanese language instructor at Peking University and was deeply interested in improving China-Japan relations, having traveled between the two countries about 200 times. However, Chinese authorities did not disclose specific details and sentenced him to six years in prison on espionage charges.

Mr. Suzuki recalled that the most painful period during his imprisonment was the seven months he was confined under house arrest while under surveillance by the authorities. The Chinese authorities covered the windows with thick curtains to prevent him from seeing outside and kept the fluorescent lights on 24 hours a day in the room, making it impossible for him to sleep.

Over time, Mr. Suzuki vaguely understood why he was accused of espionage. He suspects that the authorities were provoked when he brought up the topic of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un’s 'Jang Song-thaek execution' incident during a meal with Chinese businesspeople.

Hayashi Yoshimasa (left), Japanese Foreign Minister, and Qin Gang, Chinese Foreign Minister, shake hands during a meeting held on the 2nd at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Recently, the Japanese government has been troubled as the number of Japanese nationals detained on charges of violating anti-espionage laws has increased since Chinese President Xi Jinping came to power, similar to Mr. Suzuki’s case. Analysts say this is also affecting Japan, which maintains friendly relations with the United States, amid escalating U.S.-China tensions.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that since 2015, a total of 17 Japanese nationals have been detained by Chinese authorities. The number of detained Japanese exceeds that of detainees from other countries. China has previously detained civilians from various countries, including two Canadian businessmen in 2018.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are currently five Japanese nationals detained in China; two are already serving sentences, and one is undergoing trial. Two others, including an Astellas Pharma employee arrested on espionage charges in March, remain in detention.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida demanded the early release of the Astellas Pharma employee arrested on espionage charges on the 3rd, but the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the matter would be handled according to the law.

The WSJ analysis suggests that the series of Japanese detentions by Chinese authorities is essentially a phenomenon caused by U.S.-China conflicts. WSJ explained, "Diplomatic friction arising from the U.S. and its ally Japan confronting authoritarian countries such as China and Russia has manifested in incidents like these detentions."

Security experts have warned businesspeople to avoid unnecessary meetings with Chinese government officials. They also recommend refraining from mentioning sensitive topics related to COVID-19, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other diplomatic disputes within China.

WSJ stated, "The Astellas Pharma employee detained this time had worked in China for over 20 years and assisted many figures in the Japanese business community," adding that "the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned that any kind of investigation or research conducted in China could be considered espionage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.