China detains Japanese executives in dual-use technology export probe: report
Several Japanese detained upon entering China, according to newspaper, as Beijing alleges foreign firms violated export restrictions
China has detained several Japanese nationals, including top executives of companies with offices in China, for allegedly violating export restrictions on dual-use goods, Japanese newspaper The Mainichi said, citing multiple sources.
The detentions follow a string of enforcement measures, including the frequent on-site inspection of Japanese corporate offices and interrogation of personnel by Chinese authorities, the newspaper said.
Some individuals were detained upon entering China in a bid to get their cooperation with official inquiries, according to the report.
China’s foreign ministry did not confirm the cases in response to inquiries from Japanese media but spokesman Guo Jiakun said: “China’s competent authorities have investigated and handled criminal cases in accordance with the law”.
In late June, China’s foreign ministry said that two Japanese nationals had been detained for alleged legal violations. On the same day, Tokyo said it had been informed by China that the individuals were suspected of smuggling items banned from export.
In July, the Japanese embassy in China issued an alert stating that the Chinese government had strengthened export controls on dual-use items and reminding Japanese companies to be cautious. It urged them to contact its business support office for advice if they were suspected by Chinese authorities of being involved in such matters.