US Seismologist Detained in China on Espionage Charges

Chen Youlin, a US citizen born in China and an expert in seismological data analysis, has been held in Beijing since November 2024, according to reports from advocacy group Global Reach and his family. Chen, who lives in Boston, was in Beijing visiting family when he was detained.

His wife, Rong Yufang, a fellow seismologist, stated that the espionage allegations are unfounded and contradict the collaborative, transparent nature of Chen’s academic work. Chen’s research has focused significantly on North Korea’s nuclear activities, utilizing seismic data to monitor and analyze underground tests. This work, often funded by the US government, involved collaboration with Chinese scientific colleagues.

Concerns have been raised by the US government that Chen’s arrest may be linked to China’s own nuclear testing activities and its potential efforts to circumvent international treaties like the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Chen’s specialized knowledge could theoretically provide China with insights into US detection methodologies.

China’s foreign ministry, when questioned, stated that judicial authorities handle cases according to law and denied any wrongful detention. Chen is reportedly the only US citizen currently designated as ‘wrongfully detained.’ His family has expressed severe concern for his health, noting he suffers from chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and has had limited access to legal counsel and medical care during his detention.

US Senator Edward Markey has spoken out against Chen’s treatment, suggesting it damages US-China scientific partnerships and could deter future academic collaboration. The detention of Chen follows closely on the heels of another US scholar’s arrest in China, Min Zin, who was accused of spying and endangering national security.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/356408/china-detains-us-scientist-who-studied-north-korea-nuclear-tests