BREAKING NEWS

Report: China holds two Japanese on spying charges

China is holding two Japanese on espionage charges, a newspaper said on Wednesday, a report that prompted Tokyo to deny spying on China or any other country.
The Asahi newspaper said the two men, both from the private sector, had been in custody for several months. One was taken into custody in China's northeast province of Liaoning near the border with North Korea and the other in the eastern province of Zhejiang near a military facility, the paper said.
The newspaper added China appeared to be looking into whether the men were acting under instructions from the Japanese government.
"We are aware of the reports but would like to refrain for commenting on specific incidents," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference.
"Our country in every case is making every effort concerning the safety of our citizens overseas."
Asked if Japan was involved in any spying against China, Suga again declined comment on any specific cases but added: "Our country is certainly not doing such things. I would like to say that this is the same with regard to all countries."