U.S. Officially Declares American Scholar Wrongfully Detained in China

The Trump administration has officially designated American scholar Min Zin as wrongfully detained in China. This action comes after Zin traveled to China at Beijing’s invitation for an academic conference. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made this determination after reviewing Zin’s June 3 detention in Yunnan province, the State Department announced on Thursday.

Zin, a U.S. citizen, was invited by the Chinese government for an academic event. His case elevates in importance just weeks ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The safety and security of U.S. citizens is the State Department’s top priority.

Rubio, speaking during a cabinet meeting at Camp David, emphasized the priority given to U.S. citizens’ safety abroad. This includes advocating for Zin’s release and those similarly detained or exit banned in China.

Zin is one of two Americans considered wrongfully detained in China by the State Department, alongside Dr. Youlin Chen, a seismologist from Boston.

Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson assured continued advocacy for Zin’s release. Zin’s detention involved repeated interrogations and isolation, lasting nearly 11 weeks.

Zin’s family lost communication with him shortly after he arrived in China, causing concern for his whereabouts and well-being. For the first 48 hours, his location remained a mystery to his family and colleagues.

Chinese authorities in Yunnan later informed the U.S. Embassy that Zin was being investigated for allegedly threatening China’s national security. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed his arrest on charges of spying and endangering national security.

China has denied accusations of wrongful detention, maintaining that cases are managed according to Chinese law. However, the U.S. designation aims to highlight Zin’s situation and ensure further governmental attention and resources for his release.

Zin, who leads the Institute for Strategy and Policy, is known for his writings on Burma and Chinese foreign policy. Before moving to the United States, he actively participated in Burma’s 1988 pro-democracy movement.

The U.S. State Department remains committed to securing freedom for Zin and other U.S. citizens believed to be unjustly detained in China ahead of Xi Jinping’s visit to the White House on September 24.