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U.S. Scholar Min Zin Detained in China on Espionage Suspicion
China confirmed the arrest of American academic Min Zin at Kunming airport. The foreign ministry said he is suspected of espionage activities endangering national security.
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U.S. scholar Min Zin was detained at Kunming airport in southwest China on suspicion of espionage. China's foreign ministry confirmed the detention on Friday and stated that Min Zin was suspected of engaging in espionage activities that endanger China's national security.
Spokesperson Lin Jian made the statement. The arrest occurred about two weeks before the Friday confirmation, three people with knowledge of the matter said. Min Zin flew into Kunming airport before his detention.
No charges have been formally filed in court and the investigation remains ongoing, according to the ministry. Min Zin is the executive director of the Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP) — Myanmar. He participated in Myanmar's 1988 democracy movement as a student activist and studied political science at the University of California, Berkeley.
ISP-Myanmar was initially based inside Myanmar but moved overseas following the 2021 coup. The detention occurred after President Trump visited Beijing on May 14, 2026. Officials have not linked the two events in public statements.
U.S. consulate general in Guangzhou was notified of the arrest, the ministry added. U.S. State Department and ISP-Myanmar did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
