China Confirms Arrest of U.S. Citizen Min Zin for Alleged Espionage

China’s foreign ministry has confirmed the arrest of Min Zin, a U.S. citizen who leads a think-tank focused on Myanmar. The ministry stated that Min Zin is suspected of engaging in espionage and endangering Chinese national security.

“Min Zin has been placed under criminal detention by the relevant authorities in accordance with the law on suspicion of engaging in espionage and endangering China’s national security,” Lin Jian, a foreign ministry spokesperson, announced at a news conference. The U.S. consulate general in Guangzhou has been notified of the arrest.

Min Zin, the executive director of the Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP) in Myanmar, was detained after his arrival in Kunming, a city in southwest China. This information comes from three anonymous sources familiar with the situation, due to its sensitive nature.

The State Department and ISP-Myanmar have not yet commented on the arrest, according to Reuters. A source mentioned, “Min Zin was arrested at Kunming airport about two weeks ago,” without providing additional details.

This incident occurs as the U.S and China attempt to stabilize their strained bilateral relations following President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Beijing.

Min Zin, a former student activist engaged in Myanmar’s 1988 democracy movement, studied political science at the University of California, Berkeley. He co-founded the ISP, initially located in Myanmar before relocating overseas after the 2021 coup. The coup resulted in the military overthrowing the democratically elected government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, leading to an ongoing civil conflict monitored by Min Zin’s ISP.

The think-tank has recently focused on Myanmar’s political developments since junta chief Min Aung Hlaing assumed the presidency after a military-controlled election. They also report on the country’s deteriorating economy.

China has publicly supported Myanmar’s new administration, which formed following a contentious election criticized for excluding major opposition groups, including Suu Kyi’s party.