A South Korean expatriate in his fifties, living in China, has been arrested on espionage charges, according to Yonhap News.
According to Choi Seon Eun from Special Times, the individual who resides in Hefei, Anhui Province, was detained by Chinese authorities on allegations of espionage. Chinese prosecutors have investigated the case for several months while he remains in custody. This incident has drawn significant attention, marking the first known application of charges under China’s recently amended Anti-espionage Law.
China enacted an amended anti-espionage law that broadly defined and expanded the scope of activities related to national security in July of last year. This is the first known instance of a South Korean citizen’s detention under this legislation with stricter legal measures against espionage.
Chinese authorities allege that the South Korean, who worked at a Chinese semiconductor company, illegally leaked information to South Korea. These charges are highly sensitive in China and could further strain relations between the two nations.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has confirmed it is providing necessary consular support and working to understand the details of the case, actively advocating for the individual’s rights through diplomatic channels. The international community has taken notice of China’s recent increase in detentions of foreign nationals on espionage charges, adding to the case’s sensitivity.
An effective response strategy is urgently needed, as the development of this case could impact diplomatic relations between South Korea and China. Both governments are engaged in efforts to address this issue through dialogue.
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