- Min Zin, a US citizen and Myanmar scholar, was arrested in China on June 3 after arriving in Yunnan for an academic conference.
- Chinese authorities accused him of spying and endangering national security.
- US officials on Thursday designated him as 'wrongfully detained' after an extensive review.
- The designation makes securing his release a top US priority, and rights groups urge the US to press China ahead of Xi's September 24 visit.
- Min Zin had a 10-year visa to enter China and frequently attended academic conferences in the country.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that 'Min Zin is wrongfully detained in China' following an extensive review.
- Zin is being held at an unknown location, which means U.S. consular officials cannot observe his living conditions.
- Rights advocates argue that China has long conducted 'hostage diplomacy', detaining foreigners to gain leverage in bilateral relations.
The U.S. State Department has officially designated Min Zin, an American citizen and Myanmar scholar, as wrongfully detained in China. Zin was arrested on June 3 upon arrival in Yunnan for an academic conference, accused of spying and endangering national security.12
U.S. officials have expressed serious concerns regarding his treatment, highlighting a “significant deterioration” in his conditions, including isolation and restricted communication. “Chinese authorities barred U.S. officials from discussing with Min Zin any questions related to his case,” reported The Hill’s Laura Kelly.
Zin's designation as wrongfully detained comes just weeks before President Trump is set to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 24. His family hopes this escalation will prompt action for his release. “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,” said Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson.
The U.S. has also called for the release of other Americans held in China, including Youlin Chen, who is similarly accused of baseless charges. Rights groups estimate that the number of Americans unjustly detained in China could range from a dozen to hundreds.
Zin, a former student activist and founder of a Myanmar-based think tank, has been subjected to repeated interrogations and has been held in conditions that prevent him from sleeping properly. “For 48 hours, his loved ones did not know where he had gone, if he was alive, or who could have taken him,” a U.S. official stated.
“Secretary Rubio determined the designation after an extensive review, citing repeated interrogations and isolation for nearly 11 weeks. The move comes as Trump is set to host Xi Jinping on Sept. 24, and rights groups urge the US to press for Zin's release, with Youlin Chen also designated wrongfully detained.”
