China confirmed on Tuesday the detention of a South Korean citizen suspected of espionage, saying it had advised embassy officials, but without identifying the individual or detailing the charges, Paralel.Az reports citing Reuters.

It is the first time a South Korean national is being held under an expanded counter-espionage law that took effect in July last year.

The case could deter investment and operations by South Korean firms in the country's largest trade partner, following the departure of Japanese expatriates after a compatriot working for Astellas Pharma Inc. faced similar charges.

"The South Korean citizen was arrested by the Chinese authorities in accordance with the law on suspicion of espionage," Lin Jian, a spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry, told a regular press briefing, without giving details.

The Korean embassy in China had been notified, he added.