30 Oct 2024 | 05:45 AM UTC
China: Authorities reportedly detained a South Korean national in Hefei, Anhui Province, as of Oct. 30
Chinese authorities reportedly detained a South Korean national in Hefei as of Oct. 30. Threat of detention remains for foreigners.
Chinese authorities have reportedly detained a South Korean national on allegations of espionage as of Oct. 30. According to South Korean media, the individual was formerly an employee of an electronics company and was detained in Hefei, Anhui Province, for leaking information on semiconductors in December 2023.
The latest arrest is the first known case involving a South Korean national since amendments to the country's counterespionage law came into effect July 1, 2023. The incident highlights the continued risk of detention faced by foreigners in the country subject to local laws, which may not mirror, either in whole or in part, those of their home country. Several high-profile cases involving the detention of foreign citizens in mainland China for violating the counterespionage law have occurred in recent years. In March 2023, a Japanese national was arrested in Beijing on espionage charges. While Beijing maintains the legality of the arrests – mainly made on national security grounds - some countries like the US continue to warn their citizens about arbitrary application of laws in China. The cases highlight the importance of adhering to local laws while traveling or operating in China.
