Chinese-American seismologist detained in China after North Korea nuclear test study publication

Chinese-American seismologist Youlin Chen, 54, has been detained in China for nearly two years and faces trial on espionage charges, according to his wife, US lawmakers, and hostage advocacy groups. Chen, a US citizen since 2011, was arrested on November 5, 2024, at Beijing International Airport. He is accused of spying related to his US-funded research on detecting North Korean nuclear tests, which his wife, Yufang Rong, states used publicly available data and was approved for public release. The Trump administration designated Chen as "wrongfully detained" on March 19, making his release a top US priority, with President Trump reportedly raising the issue with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in May.

• Chen's wife expressed concern that he will be convicted regardless of the evidence, stating, "I believe they will convict him no matter what and the trial will be behind closed doors."
• Hostage advocacy groups believe Chen is among at least 12 Americans unjustly held in China.
• A former US national security official suggests China may want to leverage Chen's expertise to improve its ability to conceal underground nuclear weapons tests.
• Chen has reportedly endured harsh conditions, including being forced to sit for long periods, inadequate food, and insufficient medical care for his diabetes.