Chinese authorities have detained two Japanese citizens on suspicion of exporting banned goods, both sides confirmed on June 24, adding to tensions between the two Asian countries.
Speaking at a regular briefing in Tokyo, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters that one individual was detained on May 18 for allegedly violating a Chinese law related to smuggling items prohibited from import or export.
Another Japanese national was held on May 26 on the same charges, he said.
Chinese authorities have notified Japan’s consulate general in Shenyang and Dalian, two large cities in Liaoning Province, China, according to Kihara.
He made the comments when asked about local media reports that a Japanese employee at an electronics manufacturer had been detained by the Chinese authorities since May. The employee allegedly attempted to take rare-earth-related products, which are subject to Beijing’s export control, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper and Kyodo News agency reported earlier on June 24, citing anonymous sources….Â
China Detains 2 Japanese Accused of Smuggling Restricted Items
