China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday the arrest of an American citizen on suspicion of espionage and endangering national security. Spokesperson Lin Jian identified the detained individual as Min Zin, a political analyst and founder of the Institute for Strategy and Policy Myanmar (ISP-M), who holds dual U.S. and Myanmar citizenship.

Lin stated that Min Zin has been subjected to “criminal compulsory measures” and that Beijing has notified the U.S. consulate general in Guangzhou. The ISP-M focuses on research into political, resource, and conflict dynamics in Myanmar, which has been embroiled in civil war since the 2021 military coup.

According to The New York Times, Min Zin disappeared on June 3 in Kunming, Yunnan province, near the Myanmar border. He is also a PhD candidate at the University of California, Berkeley. The researcher has previously authored opinion pieces critical of both Myanmar’s junta and opposition groups.

The U.S. State Department confirmed awareness of the arrest and stated it is working to provide “appropriate consular assistance.” The Chinese embassy in Washington emphasized that “China is a country under the rule of law” and that all foreigners must comply with Chinese laws.

Between 200 and 300 U.S. citizens are currently detained in China on various charges, with Washington alleging some are “wrongfully detained.” In 2024, the two countries conducted a prisoner swap, releasing three nationals each, including U.S. businessmen and Chinese intelligence officers.

Source: www.aljazeera.com