China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday confirmed that two Japanese citizens are being held by relevant authorities for allegedly engaging in espionage.

The arrest of the two Japanese men has been widely reportedly by Japanese media. The men, suspected to be in their 50s, were arrested separately while visiting China in May. One of the men was reportedly arrested near a military facility in Zhejiang, and the other was taken into custody near the North Korean border in Liaoning.

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Japan's Chief Cabinet spokesman Yoshihide Suga told the media on Wednesday that "diplomats are taking all appropriate steps and providing all possible assistance."

China is reportedly investigating whether the men were sent by the Japanese government. But Suga denied allegations that Japan sent spies to China.

The arrest of the two men is likely to further strain tension between the East China Sea neighbors. The relationship between China and Japan has suffered recently as both countries disputed over China's activities in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, as well as the country's celebration of the 70^th anniversary of its victory in World War II and Japan's enactment of a series of controversial security bills.

During a meeting with the head of Japan's National Security Council Shotaro Yachi in July, Premier Li Keqiang described the ties between both nations as "sensitive." He further noted that their bilateral relationship faces opportunities and challenges.

This is not the first time that Japanese nationals have been arrested in China for spying. However, analysts say the fact that the men have been held for many months could indicate that Chinese authorities have strong evidence implicating them.

Chinese authorities have been on high alert for foreign spies. Last week, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei announced that a 55-year-old American businesswoman has been detained since March under suspicions of spying. Relatives of Sandy Phan-Gillis have started a campaign proclaiming her innocence and demanding her release. While confirming the arrest of Phan-Gillis, Hong said "We hope that the outside world will respect China's handling of this case according to law."

Tags2 Japanese Nationals Arrested China Spying, Sandy Phan-Gillis, China Japan News, China-Japan conflict, China Japan Espionage