Japan demands release of detained citizen accused of spying in China

Japan has demanded China release one of its nationals, an employee of drug-maker Astellas in his 50s, who has been detained since early March on allegations of espionage. China has detained at least 17 Japanese nationals for alleged espionage since 2015. Relations between the two countries have long been strained over the disputed East China Sea islands, wartime history and Taiwan. China confirmed that the man was being held for espionage and said it would handle the case in accordance with law. Astellas Pharma confirmed that the man was its employee but refused to divulge his identity.