China arrests US scholar of Myanmar on suspicion of spying

China has confirmed the arrest of Min Zin, a United States citizen who heads a think-tank specializing in Myanmar affairs, on suspicion of spying and endangering national security. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, stated that Min Zin has been lawfully detained by relevant authorities.

The detention of Min Zin, executive director of the Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP) - Myanmar, took place after he arrived in Kunming, southwest China. Sources familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, revealed that the arrest occurred at Kunming airport approximately two weeks prior.

This development comes at a delicate time as the US and China are making efforts to mend their strained bilateral relationship, following US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing last month. The US State Department and ISP-Myanmar have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Min Zin, a former student activist involved in Myanmar's 1988 democracy movement, has a background in political science from the University of California, Berkeley. He co-founded the ISP, which relocated overseas after the 2021 military coup in Myanmar ousted the elected government. The ISP closely monitors the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which pits the military against various pro-democracy and ethnic armed groups. The think-tank's recent analyses have focused on Myanmar's political transition and its economic challenges.

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It is understood that Min Zin has been placed under criminal detention by the relevant authorities in accordance with the law on suspicion of engaging in espionage and endangering China’s national security.