Beijing, China — Ekhbary News Agency
China on Tuesday firmly rejected accusations of wrongfully detaining a U.S. citizen, following a Reuters news agency report detailing an American seismologist's nearly two-year imprisonment and impending trial on espionage charges. Youlin Chen, 54, a Chinese-born U.S. citizen, was arrested at Beijing Capital International Airport on November 5, 2024, as he prepared to board a flight home to Boston. Chen had previously conducted U.S.-funded research focused on detecting North Korean nuclear tests.
U.S. Designation and Diplomatic Standoff
Secretary of State Marco Rubio officially designated Chen "wrongfully detained" in March, elevating his release to a primary U.S. foreign policy objective. Despite this, Chen's wife, Yufang Rong, revealed that the Trump administration initially withheld public word of her husband's case, hoping high-level diplomatic channels might secure his freedom. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian, when questioned, asserted during a regular media briefing that China operates under the rule of law, handling the case accordingly, and categorically denied any instance of wrongful detention. Indeed, this ongoing situation highlights the deep-seated friction in U.S.-China relations over human rights and judicial transparency, particularly when foreign nationals face national security allegations.
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Concerns Over Trial and Health Conditions
Rong expressed profound concern that China will convict her husband of espionage, a crime carrying potential life imprisonment or even the death penalty, predicting a trial behind closed doors. She alleges over 100 interrogations and a 13-month period without access to a lawyer. U.S. embassy officials have visited Chen multiple times, but always with Chinese officials present. Furthermore, Rong claims Chen endured "harsh conditions" early in his detention, struggling to obtain medication for his diabetes and other health problems, experiencing significant weight loss, and receiving inadequate food alongside poor-quality medical care. Another U.S. citizen, Min Zin, a scholar focused on Myanmar, also faced detention last month in Kunming on similar spying charges, adding to the Foley Foundation's count of at least 12 Americans believed wrongfully held in China. President Trump is slated to address both Chen's and Zin's cases with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during Xi's upcoming visit to Washington in September.
