China holds US seismologist for 2 years on espionage charge
What's next: The case could shadow Xi Jinping's expected US visit in September if Beijing does not move toward a trial or release.
China has detained Boston-based US seismologist Youlin Chen for nearly two years on an espionage charge, according to his wife and advocacy groups, in a case now elevated by Washington as a wrongful detention. Chen, 54, was arrested in Beijing in November 2024 while visiting family. His work, some of it funded by the US government, focused on using seismic data to detect North Korean nuclear tests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Chen wrongfully detained in March. His wife, Yufang Rong, said President Donald Trump raised the case with Xi Jinping during a May visit to Beijing, but no release followed. Rong said Chinese authorities questioned Chen more than 100 times and barred him from seeing a lawyer for 13 months.