TOKYO (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, media reported that the Japanese man who was on a visit to Beijing, but did not return home on time, might have been detained by Chinese authorities, possibly on suspicion of spying. The man works for an organization dealing with exchanges between Japan and China.
Japan's government "is not engaged in such activities toward any country," Suga was quoted by the Kyodo news agency as saying with regards to the spying allegations.
The government is reportedly assisting the man through Japan's Embassy in Beijing, and working to confirm the circumstances of his detention.
Since late 2012, over 10 Japanese nationals have been detained in China on suspicion of espionage. According to media reports, last year alone, Beijing arrested four Japanese over alleged involvement in spying activities; one of them was indicted.
