Chinese authorities indicted Astellas Pharma's Japanese employee in mid-August over alleged espionage. 

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson did not touch on details of the indictment at a press conference on August 22. 

She explained that China, a country ruled by law, will investigate and punish illegal criminal acts according to law. 

She also expressed hope that Japan will educate and guide its nationals so that they will comply with Chinese laws and regulations and not engage in illegal activities. 

Chinese authorities detained the Japanese man in March 2023 on suspicion of spying. 

Japanese Embassy staff have made consular visits to the detainee every month and confirmed that he has no health problems. 

The Japanese government has sought his early release, but the latest developments indicate that his detainment will continue further.