Beijing: South Korea’s top envoy to Beijing made a significant visit earlier this year to a Chinese facility where a South Korean national is detained on espionage charges, a senior official from the South Korean embassy revealed on Monday. Ambassador Chung Jae-ho personally visited the unidentified location on March 27, meeting with the detained individual, according to the official who briefed South Korean journalists in Beijing.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Chinese authorities confirmed last week the arrest and detention of the individual, who is in their 50s, on suspicion of breaching China’s anti-espionage law. The embassy official disclosed discussions during the visit revolved around potential human rights violations, the detainee’s health conditions, and any required items, although specifics of the conversation were not disclosed. The official emphasized that consular visits are strictly controlled by Chinese authorities, prohibiting discussions about the incident itself. Feedback from the v
isit indicated no human rights violations, with another official confirming the absence of physical abuse or harsh treatment.

The embassy has persistently requested permission for the detainee, who has diabetes, to receive necessary medications. However, Chinese authorities have declined, citing that the individual’s glucose levels remain within normal limits. The South Korean national, residing in Heifei, Anhui Province, was apprehended late last year on allegations of leaking semiconductor-related information while employed at a Chinese chipmaker. This arrest marks the first instance of a South Korean national being detained in China under the anti-espionage law.

South Korea’s foreign ministry has acknowledged the detention and is providing essential consular support. China’s revised anti-espionage law, effective since July last year, has broadened the definition of espionage activities, raising concerns about potential implications for foreign nationals in China. The law prohibits the acquisition and tra
nsmission of information related to “national security and interests,” prompting fears of penalties for routine business activities by foreigners.