The Japanese government announced on Thursday that China has officially arrested a Japanese pharmaceutical company executive who has been detained since March. This move may further crack down on business travel to China.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated that the executive of Astellas Pharma was officially arrested in mid October. China has previously confirmed that this person is Hiroshi Nishiyama. Matsuno Hiroyi stated that the Japanese government had previously strongly called on the Chinese government to release the executive as soon as possible and would continue to do so.
Hiroshi Nishiyama is an important member of Japan's business circle in China. He disappeared at the end of March, and the day of his disappearance should have been his last day in China after completing his mission in China. A few days later, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that Xishankuan was suspected of engaging in espionage activities.
The China State Council Information Office, which represents the Chinese government in handling media inquiries, did not immediately respond to reporters' requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said at a regular press conference on Thursday that China will handle the relevant cases in accordance with the law, but did not disclose any details. A spokesperson for Astellar Pharmaceuticals declined to comment.

The Japanese government announced on Thursday that China has officially arrested a Japanese pharmaceutical company executive who has been detained since March. This move may further crack down on business travel to China.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated that the executive of Astellas Pharma was officially arrested in mid October. China has previously confirmed that this person is Hiroshi Nishiyama. Matsuno Hiroyi stated that the Japanese government had previously strongly called on the Chinese government to release the executive as soon as possible and would continue to do so.
Hiroshi Nishiyama is an important member of Japan's business circle in China. He disappeared at the end of March, and the day of his disappearance should have been his last day in China after completing his mission in China. A few days later, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that Xishankuan was suspected of engaging in espionage activities.
The China State Council Information Office, which represents the Chinese government in handling media inquiries, did not immediately respond to reporters' requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said at a regular press conference on Thursday that China will handle the relevant cases in accordance with the law, but did not disclose any details. A spokesperson for Astellar Pharmaceuticals declined to comment.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshi Matsuno said that Japan has been supporting the detained executive through consular meetings and contact with his family.
Japanese corporate executives have stated that the Hiroshi Nishiyama case is suppressing travel to China, and the news of his arrest has deepened relevant concerns.
Hideji Suzuki, a Japanese man who had been imprisoned in China for over six years, said he had previously believed that for Hiroshi Nishiyama, his main hope was to be released before being formally arrested. Yingji Suzuki said that there is no way to save him now, and also stated that based on previous cases, Nishiyama Kuan is likely to be prosecuted and convicted.
Yingji Suzuki, who has worked in the Japan-China exchange project for many years, has also gone through a similar process, initially being detained before being formally arrested, prosecuted, and convicted. In October 2022, he was released and returned to Japan.
In recent years, numerous detention and travel restrictions involving Chinese and foreign executives have led many foreign companies to be cautious about traveling to China, although most cases involve individuals with long-term relationships with China rather than short-term business travelers.
Earlier this month, China released Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who had been detained for more than three years. The Chinese government claims that Cheng Lei has been tried and convicted for illegally providing state secrets by an overseas organization. Australia stated that the matter has been resolved through legal proceedings in China, but did not disclose specific details.
The Japanese government stated in April this year that this executive of Astellar Pharmaceuticals is the 17th Japanese citizen to be detained by Chinese intelligence agencies since 2015. Five people, including this executive, are still in custody.
The Chinese government's stance on foreign enterprises has become increasingly tough this year and has emphasized national security. In July of this year, China began implementing the latest anti espionage law, strengthening government control over a series of digital activities.
Chinese authorities previously raided the offices of due diligence company Mintz Group, questioned employees of American consulting firm Bain&Co., and implemented strict new data rules. These actions have undermined the confidence of American companies in China, which is at its lowest level in decades.
As reported by The Wall Street Journal in September, an executive with a Hong Kong passport from Kroll, an American risk consulting firm, has been prohibited from leaving Chinese Mainland since July.