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US designates Chinese-held Myanmar scholar Min Zin as wrongfully detained

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • The US has designated Myanmar scholar and US citizen Min Zin, detained in China since June, as wrongfully detained.
  • This designation elevates Min Zin's case to a top US priority, aiming to secure his release from charges of endangering Chinese national security.
  • The move comes ahead of a planned meeting between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with rights groups urging China to release other detained Americans.

The United States has officially designated Myanmar scholar and U.S. citizen Min Zin as wrongfully detained by Chinese authorities, elevating his case to a top priority for the U.S. government. Min Zin was arrested in China on June 3 and is accused of endangering Chinese national security.

US citizen Min Zin has been detained by Chinese security services on undefined charges since June 3. For nearly 11 weeks, he has been subjected to repeated interrogations, isolation and detention conditions.

— Senior State Department officialDescribing the circumstances of Min Zin's detention in China.

A senior State Department official stated that Min Zin has undergone repeated interrogations and has been held in isolation for nearly 11 weeks. The designation, made by the Secretary of State, signifies that the U.S. believes his detention is unjustified and makes securing his release a critical objective.

After careful review of Min Zin’s case, the secretary of state has decided to designate him as wrongfully detained.

— Senior State Department officialAnnouncing the official U.S. designation of Min Zin's detention.

This action occurs shortly before an anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Rights organizations have been advocating for Min Zin's release and are urging the U.S. to press China on the matter. The official also called on China to release other Americans it holds, including Youlin Chen, a seismologist also declared wrongfully detained by the U.S.

The safety and security of US citizens globally is President Trump’s top priority, and the president has been clear that China must treat US citizens with respect – and those wrongfully detained or under exit bans must be released.

— Senior State Department officialStating the U.S. administration's stance on the detention of its citizens in China.

Min Zin, who previously lived in Thailand and had valid visas for academic travel to China, was detained upon arrival in Yunnan province for an academic conference. His family and colleagues lost contact with him for 48 hours before learning he was under criminal investigation. China maintains it handles cases according to its laws and denies wrongful detentions.

One minute his colleagues and family were engaging with him on the phone – exchanging updates on his arrival time and plans in China – and the next minute communication was lost. For 48 hours, his loved ones did not know where he had gone, if he was alive, or who could have taken him.

— Senior State Department officialRecounting the sudden loss of contact with Min Zin after his arrival in China.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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