A former researcher with Quebec’s hydro utility on trial for economic espionage was applying for work in China and elsewhere because he was having difficulties on the job and wasn’t sure about his long-term work prospects in the province.

Yuesheng Wang said the departure of a mentor, issues with French and frustration with management showing dwindling interest in his research fuelled his resolve to look elsewhere.

But Wang testified Wednesday he did not disclose confidential information as the Crown contends, and was shocked after he was arrested and charged in 2022.

“I was surprised and even astonished,” Wang told the court through an interpreter.

The Crown accuses Wang, 38, of sharing confidential research from Hydro-Québec with Chinese entities in commercializing battery technologie

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