China confirmed on Tuesday that it has detained a South Korean citizen on allegations of espionage, as it increases scrutiny of perceived national security threats.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that the man, in his 50s, has been held by Chinese authorities since late last year. It noted that he was formally detained by prosecutors a few months ago under a revised anti-espionage law, marking the first instance of a South Korean national being targeted in such a case.
The Chinese foreign ministry confirmed the arrest, stating it was made “on suspicions of espionage” and that the necessary support has been provided for South Korean embassy officials to carry out their consular duties. No further details regarding the individual’s identity or the specifics of the allegations were disclosed.
According to Yonhap, the detainee worked for a semiconductor company in Hefei and is suspected of leaking sensitive information related to semiconductors, which are often at the center of trade tensions between China and Western nations.
China’s updated anti-espionage law, which took effect in July 2023, broadens the definition of spying and prohibits the transfer of data deemed related to national security. Beijing has long engaged in mutual espionage accusations with countries such as the United States, Britain, Canada, and Japan.
