Chinese authorities have detained two Japanese nationals,accused of trying to smuggle rare earth-related goods out of China. Detentions happened last month—one on May 18, other week later,said Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.
Tokyo confirmed the arrests but is tight-lipped on details, citing privacy issues. One detainee works for a Japanese electric machinery subsidiary in China. First arrest in Dalian, northeastern city. Raises questions about breaches of Chinese import/export laws.
In a briefing,Kihara said Japan would engage with detainees and relevant parties to ensure they are protected abroad. Meanwhile,Guo Jiakun,spokesman for Chinese foreign ministry,confirmed the detentions,saying they were legal. He noted Japan had been informed.
Guo stressed need for compliance with Chinese laws,urging Japanese citizens and firms in China to follow local rules. Though Chinese customs raised concerns about the case,it's said the detainee isn't suspected of espionage…
