US Urges China to Release Seismologist Detained for 2 Years on Spy Charges
US Urges China to Release Seismologist Detained for 2 Years on Spy Charges
American seismologist Chen Youlin, who tracked North Korean nuclear tests, has been detained in China for nearly two years on espionage charges. His family and the US government are calling for his immediate release, cit
American seismologist Chen Youlin has been detained in China for nearly two years on espionage charges, sparking calls for his release from his family and the U.S. government. Chen, a 54-year-old U.S. citizen born in China, was arrested in November 2024 during a visit to Beijing to see relatives. His specialized work involves using seismological data to identify nuclear tests, particularly those conducted by North Korea.
Chen's wife, Rong Yufang, also a seismologist, has publicly stated that the espionage allegations are "both wrong and inconsistent with the public and collaborative nature of the work that he has done." She emphasized that Chen worked closely and transparently with Chinese colleagues throughout his career. Yufang, speaking through the hostage advocacy group Global Reach, expressed deep concern for her husband's health and well-being, noting she hasn't been able to communicate with him for over 600 days. She also revealed that Chinese authorities interrogated Chen more than 100 times and denied him access to legal counsel for the initial 13 months of his detention.
The U.S. government, including reports of President Trump urging Chinese President Xi Jinping, is actively pressing Beijing for Chen's release. He is currently the only U.S. citizen designated as "wrongfully detained" by Washington. However, China's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian maintains that Chinese "judicial authorities handle cases in accordance with the law" and that there is "no such thing as so-called wrongful detention." In China, espionage convictions carry severe penalties, including potential life imprisonment or even death.
Chen, who became a U.S. citizen in 2011 and resides in Boston, undertook several projects funded by the U.S. government related to his work on nuclear test detection. His family's decision to speak out comes after nearly two years with no indication of his release, hoping to draw international attention to his case and secure his freedom.
