Family Reveals American Seismologist Detained in China for Two Years; Beijing Denies Unlawful Detention

The family of US seismologist Youlin Chen disclosed he has been held by Chinese authorities for nearly two years, while China's foreign ministry rejected claims of wrongful detention.

• The family of American seismologist Youlin Chen announced he has been held by Chinese authorities since November 2024.
• Global Reach, the NGO representing the family, stated that Chen is the only American officially recognized by the US government as "wrongfully detained" in China.
• Chen’s wife, Yufang Rong, said she has not spoken to him in over 600 days and denied he was involved in espionage.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said there is no "unlawful detention" in the country.

Latest developments

• Chen specializes in using seismological data to monitor nuclear tests and has worked on US-funded projects.
• The family stated that Chen is being held on espionage charges.