Overview

• A Japanese man in his 50s was sentenced to 12 years in prison by a Shanghai court for espionage, marking the culmination of legal proceedings that began in 2021.
• The individual was detained in December 2021, formally arrested in June 2022, and indicted on espionage charges in August 2023.
• Chinese authorities emphasized that the case was handled in accordance with legal procedures, ensuring the rights of the accused were protected.
• Japanese consular officials were allowed to observe the sentencing but were barred from earlier trial sessions and could not disclose details due to privacy rules.
• The case has heightened diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, reflecting broader concerns over security, territorial disputes, and scrutiny of foreign nationals in China.