Astellas employee jailed in China on spy charge set for December release

International relations Astellas employee jailed in China on spy charge set for December release Japanese national served three-and-a-half-year term after reportedly taking plea China enacted changes to its espionage law in 2023 that broadened the range of activities subject to investigation. (Photo by Tomoki Mera) Nikkei staff writers November 7, 2026 23:42 JST TOKYO -- A Japanese executive of Astellas Pharma imprisoned in China on espionage charges is expected to be released in mid-December after completing his sentence and immediately deported, a source familiar with Japan-China relations said Saturday. Read Next Politics Japan weighs foreign agent registry for lobbyists to curb interference International relations Tokyo seeks information on Russia's detention of Japanese reporter International relations UK universities review China ties after MI5 espionage alert Interview Former top British spy says trust between allies is key in turbulent world International relations Five Eyes intelligence alliance warns of Chinese spying via job sites International relations China spy case in Norway exposes weaknesses in Europe's Arctic front Japan-China tensions China detains 2 Japanese over alleged rare-earth export control breach International relations Japan warns expats in China over actions that risk spying arrests Latest on International relations International relations Putin orders seizure of more Japan Tobacco assets in Russia International relations Japanese companies caught in crossfire of Beijing-Tokyo rift International relations Putin exploits Takaichi's diplomatic opening with Japan Tobacco grab Sponsored Content About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.