China Puts US Scientist on Trial for Alleged Espionage

Youlin Chen, an American seismologist of Chinese descent, has been detained in China since November 2024 and is facing trial on espionage charges. He could face life imprisonment or the death penalty over research on North Korea's nuclear tests that was funded by the US government.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Chen as being wrongfully detained. Although President Donald Trump personally raised the case with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit in May, Beijing has yet to respond publicly.

According to Chen's legal team, Chinese authorities are seeking to exploit his scientific expertise to strengthen the secrecy surrounding the country's underground nuclear tests. The defense argues that Chen never held a security clearance and worked exclusively with publicly available data.

Chen's wife says his upcoming trial will be held behind closed doors. She also says his health has deteriorated in prison, alleging that he has lost a significant amount of weight, has been denied diabetes medication and has undergone more than 100 interrogations.

The Foley Foundation estimates that at least 12 US citizens are being wrongfully detained in China, including individuals subject to travel bans. The case has further complicated efforts to stabilize relations between Washington and Beijing following years of trade tensions.

(Reuters, Max)