US Seismologist Detained in China on Espionage Charges
Chen Youlin, a 54-year-old US seismologist, has been detained in China on espionage charges since November 2024. His family reports that he was arrested during a personal trip to Beijing to visit relatives. Chen is recognized as the only US citizen currently designated as "wrongfully detained". He has worked on US-funded projects related to tracking nuclear tests, including those conducted by North Korea, and has collaborated with Chinese colleagues in his research. His wife, Rong Yufang, also a seismologist, has publicly stated that the espionage allegations against him are incorrect and inconsistent with the nature of his work, which has always been transparent and collaborative.
The family decided to speak out after seeing no signs of Chen's release. Rong expressed her concerns about her husband's health, noting that he has been interrogated over 100 times and was denied access to a lawyer for the first 13 months of his detention. She has not been able to communicate with him for over 600 days. Advocacy group Global Reach has highlighted that Chen's expertise in seismology could be of interest to Chinese authorities, particularly in relation to nuclear test monitoring.
China's foreign ministry has responded to inquiries about Chen's case, asserting that its judicial system operates according to the law and denying any claims of wrongful detention. Espionage convictions in China can lead to severe penalties, including life imprisonment or death. Chen, who became a US citizen in 2011, specializes in using seismic data to identify nuclear tests and has conducted various projects funded by US authorities.
Concerns about Chen's health have been raised by the Foley Foundation, which notes that he suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and requires medical care that is not available in detention. US Senator Edward Markey has criticized China's treatment of Chen, suggesting it undermines US-China academic partnerships and may deter future collaborations. He hopes that increased attention on Chen's situation will lead to his release.
Chen's detention follows the recent arrest of another US scholar, Min Zin, accused of spying in China. These incidents highlight ongoing tensions between the US and China regarding academic freedom and national security issues.
