The family of American seismologist Youlin Chen has publicly appealed for his release after he spent nearly two years detained in China without facing trial, according to an advocacy organization assisting his relatives.
Chen, a Boston resident and naturalized U.S. citizen originally from China, has been in Chinese custody since November 2024 after being detained by state security authorities during a personal visit to Beijing to see his parents.
The case has drawn renewed attention as diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing continue, with Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming months.
Family Raises Concerns Over Health and Detention
Chen’s wife, Yufang Rong, said she has not been able to speak with her husband for more than 600 days and expressed concern about his physical and emotional well-being.
The family decided to make Chen’s detention public after seeing no indication that Chinese authorities planned to release him, according to Global Reach, a Washington-based organization that supports Americans detained overseas.
Rong said the Trump administration has shown interest in the case and expressed hope that diplomatic efforts would lead to her husband’s return home.
U.S. Government Classifies Chen as Wrongfully Detained
Chen is currently the only American citizen officially designated by the U.S. State Department as being wrongfully detained in China, according to Global Reach.
The designation places his case among those considered a priority for U.S. diplomatic action.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Chen as a wrongful detainee in March. U.S. officials said the government has repeatedly raised the matter with Chinese authorities and called for his immediate release.
A White House spokesperson said President Trump remains committed to bringing detained Americans home and has prioritized such cases during his administration.
China Rejects Claims of Wrongful Detention
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian rejected accusations that Chen was being held unlawfully, saying Chinese judicial authorities handle cases according to domestic law.
Chinese officials have not publicly provided detailed information about the allegations against Chen or announced a trial date.
Espionage Charges and Scientific Background
According to Global Reach, Chen was charged with espionage after his arrest, though details of the accusations have not been released publicly.
Chen previously worked as a contractor for U.S. government agencies, including the State Department and the Air Force Research Laboratory. His scientific work involved analyzing seismic data and collaborating with researchers internationally.
The advocacy group said Chinese authorities may be seeking information related to U.S. methods for detecting nuclear activity through seismic monitoring, though officials have not confirmed that as the reason behind his detention.
Lawmakers Call for Action
U.S. Senator Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, said he would continue advocating for Chen’s release and urged Chinese authorities to allow him to return to his family.
“It is my hope that increased attention on his unjust detention will lead to his release,” Markey said.
U.S. Embassy officials have reportedly been allowed to visit Chen multiple times but are restricted from discussing details of the case with him.
Diplomatic Pressure May Increase
Chen’s case could become a significant issue in future U.S.-China discussions if it remains unresolved.
Advocates say the family’s decision to speak publicly reflects growing frustration over the lack of progress and a desire to increase international attention on Chen’s situation.
As diplomatic engagement between Washington and Beijing continues, his family and supporters are urging both governments to find a resolution that allows him to return home.
