Astellas Pharma sentencing highlights China risks for corporate Japan

2 years after detention, companies have defense measures in place

20250716N China surveillance

China revised its Anti-Espionage Law in July 2023, expanding the scope of targets for espionage. (Photo by Tomoki Mera)

KOHEI FUJIMURA

DALIAN, China -- China's sentencing of a Japanese employee of Astellas Pharma on espionage charges serves as a stark reminder of the risks to doing business in the country and the need for precautionary measures to protect corporate employees. 

The Astellas employee was sentenced to three and a half years in prison by a Beijing court on Wednesday.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.