When asked to comment on a Beijing court on Wednesday sentencing a Japanese man working for a Japanese pharmaceutical company to three years and six months in prison for espionage, and the Japanese side's claim that the verdict could impact bilateral ties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that China is a country governed by the rule of law, and its judicial authorities handle cases strictly in accordance with the law, ensuring the legal rights and interests of parties concerned.
In accordance with relevant international conventions and the China-Japan consular agreement, we provide convenience for the Japanese side to carry out consular duties, Lin said.
Lin noted that China has consistently supported China-Japan economic and trade cooperation, providing a favorable environment for the legitimate operations of Japanese enterprises and personnel in China.
"We welcome foreign enterprises to engage in economic and trade cooperation in China. As long as foreign nationals in China—or those coming to China—abide by the law and carry out their activities in accordance with the law, there is no need for concern or anxiety," Lin added.
