China rejects US claim Myanmar analyst Min Zin wrongfully detained
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China's Foreign Ministry on Friday rejected a US State Department designation that Myanmar scholar Min Zin is wrongfully detained, insisting he is suspected of endangering national security. The US move, announced Thursday, requires Washington to prioritize securing his release. The dispute adds to obstacles in US-China relations weeks before President Xi Jinping's planned White House visit on September 24.
Key Facts
- Min Zin was arrested on June 3 in Yunnan, China, after being invited by the Chinese government to attend an academic conference.
- The US State Department designated Min Zin's detention as wrongful on Thursday, making his release a priority for Washington.
- China's Foreign Ministry said Min Zin is suspected of activities endangering China's national security, violating Chinese law.
- Min Zin is the second US citizen designated as wrongfully detained in China, following Youlin Chen.
- President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the White House on September 24, following President Trump's May summit in Beijing.
Detention and US Response
Min Zin, who leads the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar, was arrested on June 3 after traveling to Yunnan, China, to attend an academic conference at the invitation of the Chinese government. The US State Department designated his detention as wrongful on Thursday, stating that the safety and security of US citizens is its top priority. The designation requires Washington to make securing Min Zin's release a priority and to advocate for all US citizens arbitrarily detained or exit-banned in China.
China's Rejection
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the US designation on Friday, with a spokesman stating that China is a country governed by the rule of law and there is no such thing as wrongful detention. The spokesman said Min Zin is suspected of engaging in activities that endanger China's national security, thereby violating Chinese law. The disagreement adds to obstacles in US-China relations, which also include differences over Middle East conflicts and trade.
Context and Background
Min Zin helped establish the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar, which researches the political, resource, and economic dimensions of Myanmar's civil war following the 2021 military coup. China and Myanmar share a border where Beijing wields strong influence and is accused of aiding armed organizations aligned with its interests. China backs Myanmar's military administration, which hosted widely panned elections last year that excluded main opposition groups, including Aung San Suu Kyi's party. Before his arrest, Min Zin lived in Thailand and spent time in both the US and Myanmar.
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China rejects US claim Myanmar analyst Min Zin wrongfully detained
