China has begun a process to examine whether to indict a Japanese national detained in Beijing on suspicion of espionage since March last year, sources familiar with Japan-China relations said Tuesday.
Chinese authorities on Monday notified Tokyo of the decision to launch the process, the sources said. Tokyo has repeatedly called for an early release of the man, a senior Astellas Pharma Inc. employee who was formally arrested in October over the same allegation.
The decision on whether to indict him is believed to be made within one month in principle, but the examination process could last for maximum of six and a half months.
On Feb. 27, the man was granted the 11th instance of consular access and an accompanying medical officer confirmed he had no health issues, according to the sources. Former Japanese Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi and his successor Kenji Kanasugi separately met with him in November and January, respectively.
The details of how the man, a former senior official of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China who is in his 50s, allegedly violated Chinese laws remain unknown.
Since China's counterespionage law first came into force in 2014, 17 Japanese citizens, including the Astellas employee, have been detained for alleged involvement in spying activities. Five remain in custody, according to the Japanese government.
China has repeatedly said it will deal with the Japanese businessman's case "based on the law."
In July last year, Beijing implemented a revised counterespionage law, broadening the scope of what constitutes spying activities to safeguard national security, with expatriates and foreign businesses worried about its arbitrary enforcement in the country.
In February, China's top legislature adopted a revised law on guarding state secrets, which calls for strengthening the management of secrets at military facilities among other steps. It takes effect on May 1.
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