(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) At least two Japanese men are being held in China on a charge of espionage, Kyodo News Agency reported Wednesday, citing a Japanese government official and a source close to bilateral ties.
"It seems the Chinese authorities are making an excuse to link (the two) to suspected espionage," a high-ranking Japanese government official was quoted as saying.
The two have apparently been in custody for several months, the report said, adding that the two may have been regarded as endangering China's national security.
Japan's top government spokesman refused to give any details, despite being repeatedly questioned about the matter. "I am aware of the news report but I would like to refrain from commenting on individual cases," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference.
Asked whether there is any truth that Japan sent spies to China, Suga said, "Our country has never done such a thing." The source privy to Japan-China relations said one of the two men was detained near a military facility by authorities in Zhejiang Province in May allegedly on a charge of espionage. Another source familiar with bilateral relations said the other man was seized several months ago in Liaoning Province, close to China's border with North Korea. Both men, likely in their 50s, are civilians living in Japan, the report said.
Under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Beijing has been stepping up its watch over foreign organizations and individuals operating in China.
In line with this, a new counterespionage law which updates rules to more closely target foreign spies came into force in November last year.
Subsequently, surveillance over employees of foreign companies and foreign tourists has become even tighter.
Last week, China acknowledged it has been investigating an American woman who entered China in March for allegedly committing activities deemed a threat to national security.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.