US Declares Min Zin Wrongfully Detained by China Ahead of Xi Jinping's Visit
The United States has officially declared Min Zin, a US citizen and Myanmar scholar, as wrongfully detained by Chinese authorities. This determination comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the White House, making Min Zin's release a top priority for the US government. Human rights groups are urging the US administration to push for Min Zin's release before Xi's scheduled visit on September 24. Min Zin, who heads a research institute focusing on Myanmar affairs, has been detained by Chinese security services since June 3 on unspecified charges, enduring interrogations and harsh detention conditions.
After a thorough review of Min Zin's case, the US Secretary of State has designated him as wrongfully detained, emphasizing the importance of his release. The US government is also calling for the release of other wrongfully detained Americans, including Youlin Chen, a Chinese-born American seismologist. President Trump has emphasized the need for China to treat US citizens with respect and release those who are wrongfully detained or under exit bans.
Advocacy organizations estimate that numerous Americans are currently unlawfully held or restricted by exit bans in China. Chinese officials maintain that all cases are handled in accordance with national law and deny any wrongful detentions. Before his arrest, Min Zin resided in Thailand and had visited both Myanmar and the US. He had a valid Chinese visa and was invited to attend a conference in Kunming, where he was detained upon arrival at the airport.
Min Zin's sudden disappearance and subsequent detention have raised concerns among scholars about potential entrapment by China. Supporters of Min Zin, including former Trump administration officials, have urged President Trump to address the issue directly with Chinese authorities. Beijing's foreign ministry confirmed Min Zin's arrest in June, accusing him of espionage and endangering Chinese national security.
A former student activist involved in Myanmar's pro-democracy protests, Min Zin co-founded the Institute for Strategy and Policy, which relocated abroad after the military coup in Myanmar. China has expressed support for the military-backed leadership in Myanmar, which took power after an election that excluded major opposition parties. The US government's designation of Min Zin as wrongfully detained underscores the importance of his release and the broader issue of protecting US citizens abroad.