Overview
- China’s foreign ministry publicly confirmed on Friday, June 12, that U Min Zin has been placed under criminal detention on suspicion of espionage and endangering national security.
- Multiple reports say Min Zin disappeared after arriving in Kunming and was arrested at Kunming airport on or around June 3 while attending a meeting.
- Min Zin is a U.S. citizen who leads the Institute for Strategy and Policy–Myanmar, a think tank that researches Myanmar’s politics, resources and China–Myanmar ties.
- Chinese officials have not released evidence or detailed charges and the U.S. has been notified and is providing consular assistance while family and colleagues seek more information.
- The case is unusual because Beijing rarely detains U.S. nationals on national security grounds and it arrives at a sensitive moment for U.S.–China relations following President Trump’s May visit to Beijing and ahead of scheduled Myanmar‑China contacts.