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3d ago

U.S. Declares Scholar Min Zin Wrongfully Detained by China

The designation moves his case into presidential hostage-detention channels and raises diplomatic pressure before Xi Jinping’s planned Sept. 24 White House visit.

Image
Min Zin (right), an American wrongfully detained in China, is seen in this undated handout photograph.
Min Zin (right), an American classified as wrongfully detained in China, is seen in this undated handout photograph.
U.S. and Chinese flags are seen in this illustration taken March 20, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Overview

  • Min Zin, a U.S. citizen and founder of the Institute for Strategy and Policy–Myanmar, was detained in Yunnan after arriving to attend an academic conference on June 3 and Chinese authorities have accused him of espionage and endangering national security.
  • After an extensive review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally designated Min Zin as wrongfully detained on Thursday, making his release a higher U.S. priority.
  • China publicly rejected the U.S. designation on Friday, saying the case is a criminal matter handled under Chinese law and denying any wrongful detention.
  • The wrongful-detention label transfers the case from routine consular work to U.S. presidential-level hostage and wrongful-detention mechanisms, a move that can marshal more resources and possible direct engagement to secure his release.
  • Min Zin’s family and his think tank have called for his immediate release and rights groups say the case heightens tensions between Washington and Beijing ahead of the Sept. 24 summit, a development that could influence what issues U.S. leaders press during talks.