Korean Expat Arrested in China on Espionage Charges Sparks Anxiety Among Korean Community
Beijing, Tokyo, October 30, 2024– A wave of unease has swept through the Korean business and expat community in China following the arrest of a Korean national on suspicion of violating China’sAnti-Espionage Law.
According to South Korean diplomatic sources, a Korean national in his 50s, identified only as A, wasdetained by Chinese police in December 2023 in Hefei, Anhui province. The case was later transferred to the Chinese prosecution, which formally arrested him in May 2024. This marks the first known instance of a Koreanexpat being arrested in China on charges related to the Anti-Espionage Law.
A reportedly worked as a technician in Samsung Electronics’ chip division before joining Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) in 2016. CXMT, aChinese memory chip manufacturer, aggressively recruited talent from Samsung Electronics in its early stages, receiving substantial government support to secure technological expertise.
Chinese authorities allege that A leaked confidential information from CXMT to South Korea. However, some argue that the technology held by CXMT is not particularly advanced and that A’s actions may have beenmisconstrued.
The arrest has sparked concerns among Korean expats in China, particularly those working in technology-related fields. Many are worried about the potential for arbitrary accusations and the lack of transparency in the Chinese legal system.
This case has created a climate of fear among Korean expats, said a Koreanbusinessman operating in Beijing. People are hesitant to share information and are worried about being targeted by the authorities.
The incident highlights the growing tension between China and South Korea, particularly in the technology sector. As China seeks to become a global leader in semiconductors, it is increasingly cracking down on perceived threats to its national security.
Thecase of A is likely to be closely watched by both Korean and Chinese authorities, as it sets a precedent for the application of China’s Anti-Espionage Law to foreign nationals. It also underscores the importance of navigating the complex legal and political landscape in China, particularly for those working in sensitive industries.
References:
*Yonhap News Agency (2024, October 30). Korean Expat Arrested in China on Espionage Charges Sparks Anxiety Among Korean Community. Retrieved from [Insert link to original article]
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