A Japanese man who has been visiting Beijing since earlier this month may have been detained by Chinese authorities, possibly on suspicion of spying, a diplomatic source has said.
The man, who works for an organization to promote exchanges between Japan and China, was due to stay in Beijing between July 11 and 15, but did not return to Japan. Attempts to reach him on his cellphone have been unsuccessful.
Chinese authorities arrested four Japanese last year over alleged involvement in spying activities, one of whom has since been indicted.
China has been stepping up its watch over foreign organizations and individuals under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.