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American scientist detained in China for espionage since 2024, family reveals

5 sourcesFirst reported 7 days agoUpdated 7 days ago

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An American seismologist of Chinese descent, Youlin Chen, has been detained in China on espionage charges since 2024.
Chen's family claims he is wrongfully held and has not had contact with them for over 600 days.
Advocates suggest that China may be utilizing Chen's expertise to enhance its nuclear test capabilities without detection.
The U.S. government, including former President Trump, has made diplomatic efforts for his release.
Chinese diplomatic representatives have stated that there is no recognized unjust detention of Chen within the country.

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Youlin Chen, an American seismologist of Chinese descent, has been detained in China on espionage charges for nearly two years, his family revealed on July 14, 2026. Chen was arrested in 2024 while conducting research related to North Korea's nuclear tests, a subject of significant interest given its implications for global security. His family asserts that he has been wrongfully accused of spying and has not communicated with his wife, Yufang Rong, for more than 600 days.

Advocates for Chen's release suggest that his expertise may be beneficial to China in developing methods to conduct nuclear tests undetected. The issue of Chen's detention has gained attention amid broader tensions between the United States and China regarding scientific research and espionage. A spokesperson for the Chinese government denied any allegations of unjust detention, maintaining that there is no "so-called unjust detention" in the country.

The situation has also drawn political implications, with former President Donald Trump reportedly having made a request to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding Chen's case, but it remains unclear whether this has led to any developments in his release.

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15 July

A US seismologist detained in China is known for studying North Korea's nuclear tests.

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