American seismologist Youlin Chen, a Chinese-born U.S. citizen, has been detained in China for nearly two years and is now facing espionage charges, according to his wife, U.S. officials, and advocacy groups. Chen, 54, was arrested at Beijing Capital International Airport in November 2024 while preparing to board a flight home to Boston. His detention was publicly confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who designated him as "wrongfully detained" in March 2026, making his release a top U.S. priority.
Chen's wife, Yufang Rong, a fellow seismologist, has expressed concern over his health and well-being, stating she has not spoken to him in over 600 days. She revealed that President Donald Trump raised Chen's case with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit to Beijing in May, but no action has been taken. The Trump administration has reportedly pursued quiet diplomacy to avoid disrupting high-level talks, though China denies any wrongful detention, asserting that Chen's case is being handled "in accordance with the rule of law."
Chen's research, funded by the U.S., focused on detecting North Korean nuclear tests. His detention comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China over trade, security, and technology. The case is the second high-profile detention of a U.S. citizen in China this year, following the arrest of scholar Min Zin in June. Chen is the only American currently designated as wrongfully detained in China, according to U.S. officials.
The Trump administration has secured the release of 106 wrongfully detained Americans since taking office, though Chen's case remains unresolved. His trial on espionage charges, which can carry the death penalty under Chinese law, is pending. The U.S. State Department has not publicly commented on the case, while China maintains that Chen's detention is lawful.