China Detains Two Japanese Nationals on Smuggling Suspicion

Key facts

• Two Japanese nationals were detained by Chinese authorities in May.
• The detentions are on suspicion of smuggling prohibited goods.
• The case is reportedly linked to rare earths.
• Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed the detentions.
• China's Foreign Ministry confirmed the detentions for violating Chinese laws.

China has detained two Japanese citizens in May on suspicion of smuggling prohibited goods, a move that has heightened diplomatic tensions between the two East Asian nations. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed the detentions, stating that consular offices were notified by Chinese customs authorities. The case is reportedly linked to rare earths, a critical material largely controlled by China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the detentions for violating Chinese laws, urging Japanese citizens to abide by regulations. Kyodo News reported that the individuals are employees of a major Japanese machinery maker and may have attempted to smuggle rare earth-related materials. This incident occurs five months after China banned exports of dual-use goods to Japan and follows a period of strained bilateral relations, including previous tensions over Taiwan and a separate espionage case involving a Japanese national.