MONTREAL — A former researcher with Quebec's hydro utility who is facing economic espionage charges says he was applying for work at universities in China because he was unhappy at Hydro-Québec.

Yuesheng Wang maintained under cross-examination in court today that there was nothing nefarious about his interest in moving back to China.

He explained that it was tied to Hydro-Québec's unwillingness to extend his work visa long-term and his limited French and English.

The Crown alleges Wang used proprietary research at Hydro-Québec without permission, but he says he did not disclose any confidential secrets.

Wang, 38, says the Chinese universities offered him unique opportunities such as a full professorship with considerable research resources and funding.

Wang has pleaded not guilty to e

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