World News

Families and officials press for release of Americans detained in China

The U.S. government designates two scholars as wrongfully held amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · 19:03 UTC2 reports

The short version

Myanmar scholar Min Zin has been held in China for over 100 days without contact with his wife, Sylvia Zin, under Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location.[CBS News]
Secretary of State Marco Rubio officially designated Min Zin as wrongfully detained in August.[CBS News]
Seismologist Dr. Youlin Chen remains imprisoned in China on espionage charges after more than two years without a trial or family contact.[Fox News · CBS News]

Min Zin has been detained by China's Ministry of State Security for over 100 days at a location classified as Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location.[CBS News]
Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally designated Min Zin as wrongfully detained in August.[CBS News]
Dr. Youlin Chen, a seismologist taken into custody in 2024, is considered wrongfully detained by the U.S. government.[CBS News]
China charged Dr. Youlin Chen with espionage, but he has been held for more than two years without a trial or family contact.[Fox News]

Whether diplomatic discussions will lead to the release or formal trial of either detained scholar remains undetermined.[Fox News · CBS News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.