Just as China’s leaders look to attract more overseas investment, expatriates in the world’s second-biggest economy are becoming worried about a potential fresh wave of probes targeting foreign companies.
The growing fear in China’s business community contrasts with public messages from senior leaders including Premier Li Qiang, who called the nation “an anchor for world peace and development” in March in a speech aimed at wooing the global business community. Beijing has also welcomed a host of leaders and business delegations, including from Germany and France, as part of a broader charm offensive to reset diplomatic ties.
At a briefing in Tokyo on Friday, China’s ambassador to Japan, Wu Jianghao, said the detention of an Astellas Pharma employee was related to a spying incident that damaged Beijing’s sovereignty. He said the media were giving the impression that visitors could be in danger just walking down the street, taking photographs, or talking to friends. He denied this was the case and said anyone conducting normal friendship or business activities would be welcomed.