China to release Japanese pharma employee jailed for espionage after 3.5 years

China to free Japanese pharma employee jailed for espionage

A Japanese employee of pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma, who was sentenced to three years and six months in prison in China on espionage charges, is expected to be released in mid-December and return to Japan, Reuters reported, citing Japanese media. Kyodo news agency and the Yomiuri newspaper reported the development late on Saturday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The employee was detained in March 2023 on suspicion of spying, indicted in August 2024 and sentenced in July 2025. Following the sentencing, Japan's deputy chief cabinet secretary described the ruling as "extremely regrettable", without disclosing the employee's identity or professional affiliation. Reuters said Astellas Pharma, Japan's foreign ministry and the Chinese embassy in Tokyo did not respond to telephone calls seeking comment. China's foreign ministry also did not respond to a request for comment. The case has added to tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, whose bilateral relations have deteriorated over security concerns and disputes involving Taiwan. Ties worsened after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said last year that a hypothetical Chinese attack on democratically governed Taiwan could trigger a military response from nearby Japan. China subsequently urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan, citing safety concerns. Beijing also restricted exports of rare earths and other minerals to Japan, materials that are crucial to manufacturing products ranging from automobiles to weapons, Reuters reported.