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Chinese-American seismologist detained in China after North Korea nuclear test study publication

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Chinese-born American seismologist Youlin Chen has been detained in China for nearly two years and faces trial on spying charges, according to his wife and advocacy groups.
  • The US government has designated Chen as "wrongfully detained," making his release a top priority, with President Trump reportedly raising the issue with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
  • Chen's wife fears he will be convicted regardless of the trial, which she expects to be held behind closed doors, and notes he is the only American currently designated as wrongfully detained in China.

A Chinese-born American seismologist, Youlin Chen, has been detained in China for almost two years and is facing trial on spying charges. His wife, US lawmakers, and two hostage advocacy groups revealed the case, adding strain to the tense relationship between the United States and China.

wrongfully detained

— Marco RubioUS Secretary of State, designating Youlin Chen's status, making his release a top US priority.

Chen, 54, became a US citizen in 2011 and resides in Boston, Massachusetts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio officially designated him as "wrongfully detained" on March 19, making his release a significant priority for the US government. The Trump administration has withheld a public announcement to facilitate high-level diplomatic efforts to secure his freedom, according to his wife, Yufang Rong.

focused on gaining his release from his unjustifiable detention.

— US sourceDescribing the US administration's efforts regarding Youlin Chen's case.

Rong expressed deep concern that Beijing might convict her husband before his trial even begins. She anticipates the trial will be conducted behind closed doors and believes he will be found guilty of espionage, a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty in China. Chen is reportedly the only American currently held in China designated as wrongfully detained.

I believe they will convict him no matter what and the trial will be behind closed doors.

— Yufang RongYoulin Chen's wife, expressing her fears about the upcoming trial.

According to Rong, President Trump discussed her husband's detention with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a state visit to Beijing in May. Xi reportedly promised to investigate the matter, but Rong stated that the Chinese government has taken no action. A US source familiar with the case confirmed that the administration is focused on securing Chen's release but did not directly confirm the discussion between Trump and Xi, noting only that the two leaders have a "very good personal relationship."

President Trump has been clear that he wants every American detained abroad to return home, and he has reunited over 100 individuals with their families since taking office this term.

— Anna KellyDeputy White House press secretary, commenting on the administration's commitment to freeing detained Americans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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