China: Authorities sentence US citizen to life in prison on espionage charges May 15

Event

A Chinese court in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, has sentenced a US citizen, who is also a Hong Kong permanent resident, to life in prison May 15 on espionage charges. Chinese authorities detained the individual in Suzhou in April 2021 and confiscated personal property worth about RMB500,000 from him. The details of the charges and court process that led to his conviction remain unknown.

Advice

The recent sentencing of a US Citizen in China highlights the continued risk of arbitrary detention and sentencing faced by foreigners in the country. Chinese authorities have detained foreigners on the basis of endangering national security and on allegations of espionage, with concerns raised over the lack of transparency and due process in these cases. In April, the Chinese government broadened its counter-espionage legislation, outlawing additional activities that may be considered spying, such as possessing state secrets, including data and documents related to national security. The case highlights the importance of adhering to local laws while traveling or operating in China, especially those intended to prevent dissent against the government.