The State Department has determined that an American is being wrongfully detained in China on espionage accusations. The man, Min Zin, was taken into custody on June 3.
“Secretary Rubio has determined that U.S. citizen Min Zin is wrongfully detained in China. This follows an extensive review of the circumstances surrounding his June 3 detention in Yunnan, China, where Mr. Zin had traveled to attend an academic conference at the invitation of the Chinese government,” the State Department said in a statement. “There are now two wrongfully detained U.S. citizens in China: Mr. Zin and Dr. Youlin Chen.”
“The safety and security of U.S. citizens is the State Department’s top priority. We will continue to advocate for Mr. Zin and call for the release of all U.S. citizens who are arbitrarily detained or exit-banned in China.”
The other American held in China is Dr. Youlin Chen, a seismologist. He was detained in November 2024 during a personal trip to visit his parents in Beijing. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Chen as being wrongfully detained earlier this year.
“I am glad to see that Secretary Rubio has designated Min Zin as a wrongful detainee,” said Youlin’s wife, Dr. Yufang Rong, as per CBS News. “It meant a great deal to me when my husband, Youlin Chen, was designated because it means that his freedom is a priority for the Trump Administration. I hope it gives the same comfort to Min Zin and his family.”
Meanwhile, a Christian pastor has been released from prison by the Chinese Communist Party following pressure from President Trump.
