A Japanese national has been apprehended by local police in Shaanxi province after a land survey conducted.

The man surveyed land areas over the Qin Mountains which sparked speculations for being a Japanese intelligence. This was according to a report from China Business Review.

The suspected land surveys for Japanese intelligence information started in Gansu province’s Qingyang. Chinese authorities also said the man entered the country as a tourist. According to media reports, the man hired a driver after renting a vehicle and began his trip to the eastern part of the country.

Like Us on Facebook

Local authorities arrested the man in Shaanxi after making a stop in Baoji where he often surveyed lands.

The Japanese national, along with other foreigners who were suspected of doing the same activity while in the country, are likely to be deported and banned from entering China, reported China Business Review.

The Chinese government encourages its nationals to report foreigners who are suspected of surveying lands while in the country. The government also urges its residents to report foreigners who are conducting suspicious activities.

The report continued saying that Japan is not the only country interested in surveying Chinese land.

Recently, an American citizen who is married to a Chinese national has been apprehended for doing similar activities. The US citizen conducted land surveys in areas including Sichuan, Hubei and Shaanxi. Reports also added the man was able to stay in the country using his wife’s connection where he was able to gather more serious information.

The US citizen, like the Japanese national, will also face similar charges and would likely be banned from entering the country.

The United States and Japan are among other countries that are able to use satellites to locate numerous military facilities. However, ground surveys are still conducted to trace the exact location of their targets.

TagsUS, America, Fansu, China Business Review