Japanese government officials are “closely monitoring” the disappearance of a Chinese professor who teaches at the University of Tokyo after a trip to China in 2023, raising questions over human rights issues.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed the whereabouts of Fan Yuato, the professor in question, are unknown in a statement made Monday, April 22nd.
Fan traveled to Shanghai in February 2023 and reportedly planned on returning to Japan in April 2023.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin claimed in a press release on Monday, April 22nd, that he is “not aware of any information” about Fan.
His case has been linked to ongoing efforts by China to tighten national security, resulting in the arrests and detentions of those who interact with foreign governments.
Sino-Japanese relations have been strained further due to these crackdowns and territorial disputes.
