Japan-China diplomatic relations have encountered fresh complications following the sentencing of a Japanese employee from Astellas Pharma, casting shadows over what had been signs of improving bilateral ties.
The conviction has emerged as a significant obstacle to improving public sentiment between the two nations, according to Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi, who attended the court proceedings in Beijing. This development comes despite recent positive diplomatic momentum, including the first summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2024.
Following that meeting, China had shown responsiveness to Japanese concerns by resuming visa-free short-term entry for Japanese citizens and announcing the restoration of Japanese seafood imports, which had been suspended due to the Fukushima nuclear plant’s treated water discharge. Beijing also began preparations for Japanese beef exports to China this month.
The timing of the sentencing during Japan’s crucial Upper House election period has raised questions among Japanese government officials. The Astellas employee received a 3.5-year prison term for alleged espionage activities, which some observers considered shorter than expected, possibly reflecting China’s consideration of bilateral relations. However, another Japanese man detained on similar charges received a 12-year sentence in May.
The case highlights the tension between China’s economic outreach to Japan, particularly as Beijing faces trade conflicts with the Trump administration, and Xi Jinping’s emphasis on national security. In February, Xi reiterated the paramount importance of defending national political security, signaling that such priorities may override diplomatic considerations with Japan.
Despite efforts to maintain diplomatic harmony, China has increased military pressure on Japan. Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong conducted joint exercises near Japanese waters for the first time, while Chinese military aircraft have repeatedly approached Japanese Self-Defense Force planes. China has defended these activities as legitimate, urging Japan to view them “objectively and rationally.”
Adding to the pressure, China is preparing commemorative activities related to the Second Sino-Japanese War, including a military parade on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in the Anti-Japanese War, contributing to what Japanese officials describe as growing pressure from Beijing.
Source: Kyodo News, July 17, 2025
https://china.kyodonews.net/news/2025/07/826cb3ab3453–.html