China Detains US Seismologist on Espionage Charges, Family Voices Alarm

Ekhbary News Agency | 2024-05-15

Beijing’s authorities have detained a US seismologist, Chen Youlin, for nearly two years on espionage charges, his family disclosed. Chen, 54, a US citizen specializing in tracking nuclear tests, was arrested in November 2024 during a family visit to Beijing. His wife, Rong Yufang, also a seismologist, asserts the allegations are "both wrong and inconsistent with the public and collaborative nature of the work that he has done." For what it's worth, this prolonged detention without clear legal access raises significant questions about academic freedom and international scientific cooperation.

Concerns Mount Over Detention Conditions

Global Reach, a hostage advocacy group, stated the family decided to speak out after seeing no signs of Chen's release. Rong Yufang revealed her husband has been interrogated over 100 times regarding his work and was denied legal counsel for the initial 13 months of his incarceration. "I have not been able to speak with my husband for over 600 days and am concerned for his health and well-being," she stated. The Foley Foundation highlighted Chen's pre-existing health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, emphasizing his critical need for reliable medical care.

International Ramifications and Diplomatic Stance

Chen’s published research primarily focuses on North Korea's nuclear program and underground tests, not Beijing's. US intelligence suggests China is expanding its nuclear arsenal and conducting secret tests, claims Beijing consistently denies. When questioned, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian affirmed that "judicial authorities handle cases in accordance with the law," dismissing any notion of "wrongful detention." US Senator Edward Markey warned that China's treatment of Chen could undermine its partnership with the US and deter other academics from engaging with Chinese colleagues, potentially isolating its scientific community further.