June 24, Kathmandu – Chinese authorities have detained two Japanese citizens on allegations of attempting to illegally export rare earth materials from China. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara disclosed on Wednesday that one individual was arrested on May 18, and the other one week later, for violating Chinese laws regulating the import and export of restricted goods.
Although Tokyo has not released further details due to confidentiality reasons, it has confirmed the detention of the citizens. One of those detained is an employee of a Japanese electrical machinery company’s subsidiary based in China. This individual was taken into custody last month in Dalian, a northeastern Chinese city. Cabinet Secretary Kihara stated that the Japanese government is in contact with the detained individuals and relevant parties and is prepared to take appropriate measures to protect its nationals abroad.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also confirmed that the two Japanese nationals are being held pursuant to Chinese law. He added that China has shared related case details with the Japanese side. Guo emphasized the importance of Japanese authorities educating and urging their citizens and companies in China to comply with Chinese laws and regulations. According to Kyodo News, Chinese customs officials are treating the matter seriously, although there is no suspicion of espionage against the detainees.
