South Korean Ambassador to China Visited Detained Korean National Accused of Espionage
Beijing, November 4, 2024 – The South KoreanEmbassy in China confirmed today that Ambassador Jeong Jae-ho visited Korean national A, who was arrested in March for alleged violations of China’s Anti-Espionage Law.The visit took place on March 27th, according to a high-ranking embassy official who spoke to South Korean media.
The official revealed that Ambassador Jeongand A discussed potential human rights violations during the investigation, A’s health condition, and necessary items. However, the official emphasized that due to Chinese regulations, the specific details of the consular visit cannot be disclosed publicly.
A, a formerSamsung Electronics employee, joined China’s ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) in October 2016 after leaving Samsung. He left CXMT in 2020 and subsequently worked for two other Chinese semiconductor companies. A wasapprehended by Chinese State Security officials in December of last year at his home in Hefei, Anhui Province.
Chinese authorities accuse A of providing sensitive information to South Korea. The specific nature of the alleged espionage activities remains undisclosed.
The case has sparked concerns about the potential for increased tensions between South Korea and China, particularlyin the context of ongoing competition in the semiconductor industry. The incident highlights the sensitive nature of technology transfer and intellectual property protection in the increasingly interconnected global economy.
The South Korean Embassy has reiterated its commitment to providing consular assistance to A and ensuring his rights are protected throughout the legal process. The embassy will continue to closely monitor the situationand engage with Chinese authorities to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency (2024, November 4). South Korean Ambassador to China Visited Detained Korean National Accused of Espionage. Retrieved from [link to Yonhap News Agency article]
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