US calls Burmese-American academic's detention in China 'unjustified'

The United States has officially labeled the detention of Burmese-American academic Min Zin in China as "unjustified."

This designation elevates the case, which began with Zin's arrest on June 3 in Yunnan, China, where he was attending an academic conference by invitation from the Chinese government. The State Department's determination follows an "exhaustive review" of the circumstances surrounding his arrest, according to Deputy Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson.

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has determined that the U.S. citizen Min Zin is being unjustly detained in China

Min Zin, an independent scholar and executive director of ISP-Myanmar, has focused on Beijing's political and economic influence in Burma. His work has drawn attention from human rights organizations like Fortify Rights, which has expressed serious concerns for his well-being and rights, highlighting his past as a student activist during Burma's 1988 democratic movement.

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The safety and well-being of U.S. citizens are the State Department's top priority. We will continue to advocate for Mr. Zin and demand the release of all U.S. citizens who are arbitrarily detained or subject to exit bans in China

The U.S. government considers a detention "unjustified" when a citizen is imprisoned arbitrarily or without due process, even if formal charges are presented. This classification enables high-level diplomatic efforts, including potential negotiations or sanctions, to secure his release. The U.S. also noted that another American citizen, seismologist Youlin Chen, is also being unjustly detained in China.

The designation comes weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned visit to Washington on September 24, adding a layer of diplomatic tension to the upcoming meeting.

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Min Zin's detention raises serious concerns, not only for his rights and well-being but also for the situation of academics, researchers, journalists, and people engaged in public affairs